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The High Court has ruled that the fast-track appeal procedure for processing asylum applications is “structurally unfair” and must be quashed. Mr Justice Nicol said that despite safeguards, asylum seekers and their lawyers were unable to prepare their cases properly in the time allowed. He said the system put asylum seekers at “a serious procedural disadvantage” and appeared to sacrifice “fairness on the altar of speed and convenience”. He delayed his ruling from taking effect to give the Lord Chancellor and Home Secretary time to appeal.
The High Court has ruled that the fast-track appeal procedure for processing asylum applications is “structurally unfair” and must be quashed. Mr Justice Nicol said that despite safeguards, asylum seekers and their lawyers were unable to prepare their cases properly in the time allowed. He said the system put asylum seekers at “a serious procedural disadvantage” and appeared to sacrifice “fairness on the altar of speed and convenience”. He delayed his ruling from taking effect to give the Lord Chancellor and Home Secretary time to appeal.
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