In the last few minutes the court of appeals has ruled in favour of asylum campaigners fighting against extreme restrictions on those trying to stay in the UK. It is a significant ruling. After three courts found the detained fast-track system unlawful in some manner or other, it is the first time the home secretary is being forced to bring it to a halt immediately. There will now be an appeal from the government, but it is a very significant development which could permanently dismantle the system which campaigners say deprives asylum seekers of a fair hearing.
In other news, we continue our coverage of the psychoactive substances bill, with a look over at Ireland to see how a similar law performed over there. You'll undoubtedly be shocked to discover that it did dreadfully, with the drugs moving underground and use higher than anywhere else in Europe. But a little thing like that won't stop the Home Office.
We return to the subject of offence culture in universities, where so-called 'safe spaces' are increasingly killing off debate on campus. We pay a visit to the Debating Matters competition, which is trying to get school children capable of tough no-nonsense debate before the culture on campus beats it out of them.
Finally we report on the extraordinary developments in the legal profession, after lawyers in Liverpool effectively went on a wildcat strike over legal aid cuts. It's a rare moment of barristers and solicitors working together, with meetings across the country suggesting it could spread nationwide. This could be a baptism of fire for Michael Gove. | |
