Controversial act given royal assent

The Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc) Bill
received royal assent last week.

The act contains measures to remove the children of failed asylum
seekers who refuse to return to their countries of origin despite
ferocious attempts by campaigners opposing the proposal.

In March, the government backed down on plans to remove the right
to challenge asylum decisions in court after an intervention from
Lord Irvine, the former lord chancellor.

Instead, the act outlines a single-tier asylum and immigration
tribunal for appeals against immigration and asylum decisions.

In limited cases, the tribunal’s decision can be reviewed by the
High Court on the grounds that it made an error of law.