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Supreme Court denies appeal in Glasgow asylum seeker case
The UK Supreme Court has denied permission to appeal a decision taken by Scotland’s highest court, which determined that the eviction of hundreds of asylum seekers in Glasgow without a court order was lawful.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks the end of the appeal route for asylum seeker Shakar Omar Ali, who took the Home Office and its contractor, Serco, to court when the latter began issuing seven-day lock-change notices to asylum seekers in Glasgow after their asylum claims had been rejected.
In 2018, the contractor came under fire as Glasgow City Council, alongside a number of MPs, warned that its plans to evict hundreds of asylum seekers would “trigger a humanitarian crisis” in the Scottish capital.
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However, Serco has argued that it was being forced to pick up the bill, as the Home Office stops paying rent for asylum seekers after their claims are rejected.
In November last year, the Court of Session in Edinburgh upheld a previous decision that Serco was acting lawfully when it sent lock-change notices to asylum seekers.
However, a number of evictions from Serco properties had been placed on hold while the outcome of the appeal was being decided by the UK Supreme Court.
Serco said it has currently ceased repossession activity in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Mike Dailly, solicitor advocate for Govan Law Centre, which brought forward several cases challenging the legality of Serco’s actions, said: “We are deeply disappointed with this decision, but our immediate concern is for the health, safety and well-being of our clients and everyone in Serco accommodation in Glasgow during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We hope Serco will act responsibly and in the wider public interest in the present circumstances.”
Jenni Halliday, contract director for asylum accommodation and support services at Serco, said: “We are pleased that the Supreme Court has refused this leave to appeal and that our legal position has once again been confirmed.”
