Recommendation 45

The Bill’s introduction of extremely narrow suspensive claims does provide some protection against the most serious and immediate human rights abuses, but even this protection is meaningless if the procedural framework prevents effective access to these claims. The time limits placed on each stage of the claim process are so strict that it is hard to see how claimants, who are likely to be traumatised, vulnerable and held in detention, could prepare and present their case effectively. If the suspensive 128 Legislative Scrutiny: Illegal Migration Bill claim framework is to remain within the Bill, the time limits imposed must be made more generous. Furthermore, applications to extend those time limits must themselves have suspensive effect (see Annex, Amendment 35).