Mahmood’s views on ‘last-minute’ modern slavery claims do not reflect reality, say professionals

Government should fix ‘broken legal aid system’ that causes delays, says head of immigration lawyers’ association

In a strongly worded response to a high court decision blocking the removal of an asylum seeker under the “one in, one out” scheme, Shabana Mahmood railed at “last-minute vexatious claims” and “migrants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal”.

The home secretary’s comments cast aspersions on the 25-year-old Eritrean in the individual case and asylum seekers more widely. But those who work in the system believe they do not reflect the reality of the way – and pace at which – the justice system and the framework for identifying victims of modern slavery work.