The UK government's deport first, appeal later scheme is expanding to include 23 countries, with additional countries added in 2023. This policy, originating in 2014 under Conservative leadership, permits the deportation of foreign criminals without allowing them appeals unless they can demonstrate harm upon return. Under proposals by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, those with fixed-term sentences may now be deported post-sentencing. Exemptions apply for severe cases like life sentences. Critics argue this could attract more foreign criminals, undermining justice and public safety.
Foreign criminals from 15 more countries face deportation before they have a chance to appeal in an expansion of the UK government's deport first, appeal later scheme. Ministers are extending the scheme, which applies in England and Wales and was restarted in 2023, to cover 23 countries including India, Bulgaria, Australia and Canada.
The policy, which was introduced by the Conservatives in 2014, removes the right of foreign criminals to appeal against their conviction in the UK unless they show they are at risk of harm if they are deported to their country of origin.
Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, announced proposals on Sunday to allow foreign criminals given fixed-term sentences to be deported immediately after sentencing and barred from re-entering the UK.
The policy has come under fire from two former Conservative justice secretaries who say it risks making the UK a soft touch for foreign criminals, because offenders would not be serving sentences at home.
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