Sector organisations have criticised Robert Jenrick after the shadow justice secretary posted a video claiming that more than 30 immigration judges have links to “open borders charities”.
In the video, which has been viewed two million times on social media, Jenrick names two judges who he says have previously volunteered for Bail for Immigration Detainees (BiD).
The former charity tax minister argued that such volunteering activity threatens judges’ independence, and a caption accompanying the video says “a deep rot has infected parts of our judiciary”.
Refugee support charities Freedom from Torture and Care4Calais, who both recently signed a statement of solidarity in the face of what they describe as mounting threats from the far right, criticised Jenrick’s comments.
BiD recently reported facing harassment on social media after guidance it provided to migrants, around navigating the government’s new one-in-one-out policy with France, was the subject of a front-page story in the Telegraph.
‘Disturbing campaign to vilify charities’
Natasha Tsangarides, associate director of advocacy at Freedom from Torture, said: “Robert Jenrick’s remarks are part of a disturbing campaign to scapegoat judges and vilify charities who uphold people’s rights.
“His attempt to discredit those who defend fairness and justice undermines the rule of law and the independence of our courts.
“These are tactics straight out of the populists’ playbook and we must all remain vigilant against them.
“The UK’s judicial system is one of the most respected in the world and it must be protected from political interference at all costs.”
Steve Smith, chief executive of Care4Calais, said: “Should judges who donate to homeless charities be banned from ruling on housing cases?
“What about judges who have voiced public support for veterans? Should they not be allowed to rule on cases in relation to service personnel?
“Or is this just the latest populist nonsense from Robert Jenrick that is helping feed the rise of the far right in this country?
“All our judges are human beings, who have the right to a personal life and to hold personal views. As long as those views don't prejudice their work as a judge, then they should be allowed to get on with their work, free from the political interference of politicians like Jenrick.”
MP says regulator needs more powers
Meanwhile, the Charity Commission has responded after Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat said in an interview with Talk TV at his party’s annual conference that the regulator needed extra powers to combat “Muslim Brotherhood ideology” in the UK.
A spokesperson for the regulator said: “We will always deal robustly with those who intentionally or recklessly misuse charities for malign purposes, and do not hesitate to take action in accordance with the law to protect the reputation of the sector as a whole.
“The powers parliament has granted the commission through a succession of charity acts have strengthened our ability to address and prevent abuse and mismanagement in charities.
“We are robust in using these powers whenever required, and we keep in close contact with the government to ensure our powers and our resources are fit for the present and the future.”
Civil Society has contacted BiD for comment.
