Legal case claims children’s education and families’ stability were disrupted by the move away from London.

Three Afghan refugee families have filed a legal challenge against the UK Government, claiming that being moved from their London hotel accommodation to temporary housing in northern England has caused significant disruption to their lives. The families argue that this relocation was unlawful and failed to consider the specific needs of their children, some of whom are at a critical stage in their education.

Representing the families, lawyer Martin Westgate KC argued that the abrupt move last September, which followed the end of the hotel contract, has left several children without school places months later. The families, part of the resettlement programme for Afghans evacuated during the Taliban’s takeover, had settled into their London community, with children doing well in their schools and parents securing employment.

Westgate told the High Court that the families were forced to give up jobs, school places, and established support networks, making it impossible for them to settle in their new, temporary accommodations. He argued that no arrangements had been made for their children’s education in the north, and that there was no evidence the Home Secretary had considered the best interests of the children, including those facing exams.

However, lawyers for the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, argued that the relocation was necessary due to cost and pressures on local resources in London. They stated that it was inevitable the families would be moved, as accommodation in the capital was no longer available, and the families had been informed that their relocation was temporary.

The court case, which is still under deliberation, could have far-reaching implications for the government’s resettlement plans, as it highlights the challenges faced by refugee families in securing stable housing and education. A final judgment is expected in the coming weeks.