Story perspectives

High Court blocks Home Office trafficking guidance, 921 migrants returned.

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The High Court declared the Home Office’s 2025 guidance on trafficking claims unlawful.
The Home Office said it will appeal and reform laws to stop dubious last-minute claims.
Judge Clive Sheldon noted 79 % of initial non-victim decisions were reversed on reconsideration in 2025.
Since the treaty began, 921 small-boat migrants—3.5 % of arrivals—have been returned to France under the one-in-one-out scheme, a setback that has heightened community tension.

1 of 1

Story summary

The High Court declared the Home Office’s 2025 guidance on trafficking claims unlawful.
The Home Office said it will appeal and reform laws to stop dubious last-minute claims.
Judge Clive Sheldon noted 79 % of initial non-victim decisions were reversed on reconsideration in 2025.
Since the treaty began, 921 small-boat migrants—3.5 % of arrivals—have been returned to France under the one-in-one-out scheme, a setback that has heightened community tension.