Overview

• Government lawyers told the Court of Appeal on Tuesday that the High Court erred in granting an Eritrean man at least 14 days to bolster a modern slavery claim, delaying his return to France.
• The Home Office argued the interim order causes real damage to the public interest by undermining the pilot’s deterrent effect and disrupting immediate operational plans.
• Counsel for the department said the man could seek protection in France if he is a trafficking victim and could pursue any legal challenge from there, adding there was no basis for an open‑ended delay for medical evidence.
• At least two people have already been removed under the UK‑France exchange scheme, including a second Eritrean man flown from Heathrow to Paris on Friday after losing a High Court bid, with The Times reporting an Indian citizen was sent back on Thursday.
• Officials highlighted rising Channel crossings, citing 21,117 arrivals between January and July, and noted another person has asked for a 30‑day deferral as the appeal before Lord Justice Arnold, Lord Justice Lewis and Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing was due to conclude later on Tuesday.