Today the High Court ruled that the UK Border Agency’s policy on deporting foreign nationals who are refused permission to remain in the UK at short notice is unlawful. In response, Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:

“We welcome today’s High Court judgement that the UKBA’s policy of removing certain foreign nationals at short notice is unlawful.

“Too many people who are refused asylum here and end up facing removal have been let down by the asylum process, and have serious grounds for appeal if given the chance. It is therefore imperative that asylum seekers have access to good quality legal representation and are given enough time to appeal Home Office decisions – including having notice of the date they are to be removed. Many of these people have fled conflict and war, are extremely vulnerable, and deserve protection.

“The government’s welcome review of the asylum process provides an opportunity to focus on ensuring the right decisions are made about each individual case first time, which would not only avoid a lengthy and costly appeals process, but would ensure those that need protection can access it.”