Shabana Mahmood accuses asylum seekers of making vexatious, last-minute claims'

"Last minute attempts to frustrate a removal are intolerable, and I will fight them at every step. Migrants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal, having never made such a claim before, make a mockery of our laws and this country's generosity. I will fight to end vexatious, last-minute claims. I will robustly defend the British public's priorities in any court. And I will do whatever it takes to secure our border."

"On Tuesday, a high court ruling blocked the deportation of a 25-year-old Eritrean man who was due to be flown to Paris. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said he was a victim of trafficking and would be made destitute if sent to France. Following the ruling, officials abandoned plans for a flight on Wednesday. The Home Office has announced it will appeal the decision."

"Her unusually forthright words come as Keir Starmer's government comes under intense pressure from its own backbenchers and Reform UK over the issue of immigration and small boat arrivals from France. The prime minister announced the returns deal in July and has fuelled expectations that rejected claimants would be sent back this week. So far, no one has been put on board a flight."

Shabana Mahmood accused asylum seekers of making vexatious, last-minute modern slavery claims to avoid removal to France. The Home Office said it would review modern slavery laws to protect the returns deal announced in July. A high court injunction blocked an intended deportation and forced officials to abandon a planned flight after a 25-year-old Eritrean claimed trafficking and potential destitution in France. The Home Office plans to appeal. Ministers say sudden modern slavery claims on the eve of removal undermine the country’s laws and generosity and pledge to prevent last-minute claims while facing pressure from backbenchers and opposition parties.

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