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Public Law Solicitors
In the Press: Duncan Lewis Case Draws National Attention as Emergency Injunction Halts Deportation (25 June 2025)
Date: 25/06/2025
A Duncan Lewis case has garnered media attention after a last-minute legal intervention prevented the deportation of Fatou Tamba, who was facing removal to The Gambia.
Despite having lived in the UK for 16 years and being a well-known member of the Liverpool community, the 55-year-old was detained by the Home Office for nearly four months. Her removal had been scheduled for 17 June 2025, just hours after her fresh submissions were refused. Acting swiftly, our Public Law team lodged an urgent judicial review application with the Upper Tribunal.
Shortly before the scheduled flight, Upper Tribunal Judge Rastogi granted an emergency injunction, stating that “the balance of convenience favours the applicant” and citing “credible medical evidence” of a deterioration in Ms Tamba’s mental health and her unfitness to fly.
The case has been covered by The Independent, which reported on Ms Tamba’s traumatic detention, her deteriorating health, including diabetes and PTSD, and her strong ties to the UK community. The report also highlighted the lack of medical infrastructure in The Gambia and the danger deportation posed to her life.
Speaking on the outcome, Jamie Bell told the media that he was “delighted” with the outcome, and glad that a judge has recognised that there are important questions to be answered before removal can be safely carried out.
Duncan Lewis continues to work to secure leave to remain for Ms Tamba. The case has also been featured in The Liverpool Echo and The Gambia Journal.
The full articles can be read here:
Liverpool mum reunited with family as deportation cancelled at last minute | Liverpool Echo
About the Instructing Team
Jamie Bell is a solicitor at Duncan Lewis in the public law team recognised as a Recommended Lawyer in the 2025 Legal 500. He has significant expertise in a wide variety of complex and high profile cases and a leader in the field in representing Afghan nationals in the asylum appeal and judicial review claim with great success. He is willing to act under extreme time pressures to ensure that justice is achieved for his clients.
Jamie Bell can be contacted at jamieb@duncanlewis.com or via telephone at 02031141184.
Elleanor Wilkins-Bell is a solicitor at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, based in the City of London office. Working under the direct supervision of Solicitor Jamie Bell and Director Toufique Hossain, she is accredited as a solicitor under the Law Society's Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme.
Eleanor specialises in representing vulnerable clients, including victims of torture, sexual abuse, and trafficking, as well as unaccompanied minors.
Contact via email at ElleanorW@duncanlewis.com or by telephone on 020 7275 2850.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors, an award-winning law firm, is renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to justice. The company employs a team of highly skilled solicitors offering top-tier representation in 25 fields of law, and ranked as top tier by the Chambers and the Legal 500 legal guides, and as one of the top 250 law firms in the country by the Times. Duncan Lewis was crowned Law Firm of the Year at the Modern Law Awards 2023, further establishing its credentials as one of the leading law firms in the UK.