Recommendation 4

We consider that clause 58 should be amended so that it does not inadvertently remove protection from victims of slavery or human trafficking, contrary to the UK’s obligations to combat slavery and human trafficking. This would also bring it closer in line with the established caselaw of the Courts in relation to how the words in this provision should be read. Clause 58 should be amended to replace “must take account, as damaging the person’s credibility, of the late provision of the relevant status information” with “may take account, as potentially damaging the person’s credibility, of the late provision of the relevant status information”.