Keir Starmer to curb judges' power in asylum cases

Sir Keir Starmer plans to reform the asylum appeal system to expedite the deportation of failed asylum seekers. The current tribunal courts will be replaced with a fast-track system overseen by adjudicators who will prioritize cases of those in taxpayer-funded accommodations. The aim is to reduce the average appeal time, which currently exceeds a year, alleviating the hotel crisis caused by high numbers of asylum seekers. Concerns exist over judicial decisions influenced by human rights, leading to the overhaul.

Ministers hope to implement these changes through new legislation. The Home Office also aims to clear backlogs and stop using expensive hotel accommodations. Yvette Cooper stated, “We are determined to substantially reduce the number of people in the asylum system.”