Skip to main content
Home Office accused of pressuring judges not to release immigration detainees during pandemic

MIGRANT-rights campaigners have accused the Home Office of pressuring judges not to release immigration detainees during the pandemic. 

In an official letter to a top immigration judge, the department requested written explanations for a drastic rise in the number of migrants released from detention centres in recent weeks.

The request was rebuked by First-tier Tribunal president Michael Clements, who sent a letter back stating: “As [an] independent judiciary we decide bail applications in accordance with the law.” Since the lockdown was imposed on March 23, charity Bail for Immigration Detainees (BiD) says 95 per cent of applications for bail have been approved. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
malangatana
Book Review / 30 September 2025
30 September 2025

JOHN GREEN welcomes a remarkable study of Mozambique’s most renowned contemporary artist

08-08-2023 of CEO of PFA Maheta Molango talking during a panel
Men’s Football / 26 September 2025
26 September 2025

Tragic loss of young footballer sparks fresh scrutiny of ground safety standards

fringe 2
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 / 8 August 2025
8 August 2025

In his second round-up, EWAN CAMERON picks excellent solo shows that deal with Scottishness, Englishness and race as highlights

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates as he defeats Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic, and wins the men's singles final of the Queens Club tennis championships in London
Men’s tennis / 22 June 2025
22 June 2025