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Public Law Director Toufique Hossain gives evidence in connection to the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ inquiry into immigration detention (28 November 2018)

Date: 28/11/2018
Duncan Lewis, Main Solicitors, Public Law Director Toufique Hossain gives evidence in connection to the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ inquiry into immigration detention

Duncan Lewis’ public law director Toufique Hossain gave oral evidence in connection to the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) inquiry into immigration detention on Wednesday 21st November at the Palace of Westminster.

The session, which was transmitted live across the internet, was also attended by Amanda Weston QC and Stephanie Harrison QC, both of Garden Court Chambers and Laura Dubinsky of Doughty Street Chambers.

The committee is looking into the human rights implications of detention with a special reference to immigration. Chaired by MP Harriet Harman, with committee members Fiona Bruce, Karen Buck, Joanna Cherry, Jeremy Lefroy, Baroness Hamwee, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, Baroness Prosser and Lord Trimble
Toufique made a strong case in favour of professional legal support for detainees;

“Access to legal assistance is critical in relation to immigration bail and to applications that detainees have to make while in detention.”

He also highlighted the complexities of immigration law;

“I find absolutely impossible the idea that detainees should be brought before the tribunal, either through video link or in person, to present their case for bail without a lawyer. It simply would not work. Even when detainees have access to lawyers in relation to bail and other applications, we find that there are not enough lawyers to provide access to.”

“There is a lot of work at risk because of the legal aid cuts.”

A further matter discussed was the availability of legal aid to those in detention. Toufique divulged his concerns with cuts to legal aid;

“…it takes a lot of effort [to represent detainees]…and it takes financial resources…experts provide medical evidence and experts on country information, and you need to pay those experts. You need to apply for disbursements from the LAA [Legal Aid Agency], but you need to take a financial hit before you can recoup that money. There is a lot of work at risk because of the legal aid cuts.”

The committee later moved on to appeal rights and judicial review, with the witnesses pointing out how an appeal is a more effective safeguard than judicial review, leading Baroness Prosser to question the merits of a judicial review. Toufique pointed out the benefits of a judicial review in relation to a fresh claim refusal.

“Judicial review can potentially obtain an injunction to stop the removal and challenge the legality of that fresh claim refusal,” he explained to the panel. “If that person succeeds in his or her judicial review in challenging the fresh claim, often the Home Office has to make a new decision, and make it lawfully. That can also, if it is a protection claim, lead to an appeal. Ultimately, then, an appeal would lead to leave to remain if that person succeeds. The appeal eventually paves the way for status in the UK, but judicial review prevents that person being removed prior to potential success down the road.”

Following the session Toufique commented;

“It was a huge honour to have been invited to give evidence to the Committee. As the only solicitor on the panel, it was a rare and valuable opportunity to convey to Parliament real world examples of the human cost of immigration detention, and to stress the crucial role of legal aid in enabling some of the most disenfranchised members of our society to access justice.”

The full video of Toufique’s evidence giving is available on: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/7cd35fc9-9a8a-4717-af2c-dcee4ea41a9a

A full transcript can be accessed here: http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/human-rights-committee/immigration-detention/oral/92861.html

Duncan Lewis Public Law

The Duncan Lewis public law department continues to be recommended by Legal 500 with the 2019 edition reporting its 'strong presence in this area of the law, making a particularly dominant contribution in immigration, asylum and prison law.'

The public law team has experience in all aspects of judicial review claimant work, including obtaining emergency orders and other interim relief to prevent breaches of human rights, following up judicial reviews with actions for damages in both the County and High Court and successfully pursuing judicial review matters to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. A particular focus is the team’s work handling cases of the deprivation of British citizenship and deportation threats, with a niche specialism in challenging the treatment of immigration detainees and other marginalised communities.

To speak with Toufique Hossain, call 020 3114 1128 or email him on toufiqueh@duncanlewis.com. To speak to a specialist in public law or any of the other areas of law we cover, call 033 3772 0409.

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