High court halts man's deportation in blow to 'one in, one out' scheme

The judge, Mr Justice Sheldon, halted his removal after a decision came through during the court hearing that his claims to be a victim of trafficking required further investigation.

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The ruling is a significant blow to the government because many of those due to be removed under the scheme are potential victims of trafficking. Because they have only recently arrived in the UK they have not had an opportunity to have their trafficking claim fully investigated nor to obtain expert medical and psychological reports.

The Home Office argued against halting the removal, saying that the man could get further evidence to support his trafficking claim from France. Last night, Sheldon said he was “going to grant a short period of interim relief”.

The judgment came after a decision from the national referral mechanism, which identifies and assesses victims of slavery and human trafficking, and the invitation from the organisation for the man to make further representations.