PRITI PATEL has been forced to do a “humiliating” U-turn on a contentious policy requiring migrants to return to France from the United Kingdom.

 The government officially rescinded the refugee ‘pushback’ policy just days before it was up for judicial scrutiny in the top court. In a letter sent yesterday, the Government’s legal department recognised the move. The cruel policy, finalised by the Home Office last autumn, authorised and encouraged Border Force officials to stop migrant ships in UK waters and forcefully return them to France.

Ms Patel confirmed her support for the policy in January when she told the Lord’s justice and home affairs committee that sending back boats was “absolutely still policy.”

However, according to yesterday’s letter, the Home Secretary’s officers were warned last week that the Ministry of Defence, which is now in charge of scooping up refugees from the Channel, did not have clearance to deploy the strategy.

According to the legal department, the policy and procedures have been revoked.

 The letter stated that due to a “significant development,” the lawsuit would no longer proceed.

It added: “That development flowed from the prime minister’s announcement on Thursday 14 April 2022 that the Ministry of Defence was taking over primacy in respect of Channel operations with regard to small boat crossings.

 “As a result of a military order notified to the secretary of state for the home department’s officials earlier on 20 April 2022, the Ministry of Defence joint commander has not had permission to authorise the use of turnaround tactics.”

 The letter went on to say that if turnaround strategies were to be utilised in the future, it would only be in limited circumstances after “full consideration of all relevant considerations.”

The PCS union, Care4Calais, Channel Rescue, and Freedom from Torture have all filed legal challenges against the programme, with hearings scheduled on May 3.

PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: “This humiliating climbdown by the Government is a stunning victory for Home Office workers and for refugees.

“There is little doubt that lives have been saved. The pushback manoeuvre is extremely dangerous and represents a clear risk to life and limb.

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