It is reported that Priti Patel is seeking to give indemnity to Border Force staff who may commit a criminal act when dealing with migrants crossing the Channel in small boats.
This clause is reported to be in the draft bill:
‘A relevant officer is not liable in any criminal or civil proceedings for anything done in the purported performance of functions under this part of this schedule if the court is satisfied that (a) the act was done in good faith, and (b) there were reasonable grounds for doing it.’
It is hard to envisage what criminal or civil offence Border Staff might commit apart from causing the death of a refugee, directly or indirectly.
If they did cause the death of a refugee this would be a breach of international law.
To indemnify them against prosecution for this would be, in effect, the state condoning murder.
www.thejusticegap.com/priti-patel-to-give-immunity-to-border-force-officials-turning-back-migrant-boats/
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