Labour celebrated an important victory on Friday, as the Conservative government took another U-turn by scrapping their proposal to increase immigration tribunal fees by up to 500%. This comes after campaigning by the Labour Party, and overwhelming public opposition to a government consultation on the subject.

Fees for a tribunal to deal with asylum or immigration cases had risen from £80 to £490, a decision taken by previous Justice Secretary Michael Gove.

Richard Burgon MP, Labour’s shadow justice secretary and a prominent supporter of Jeremy Corbyn, said:

This is a significant climbdown by a Conservative government which has done so much to deny access to justice to thousands of people, particularly those on lower incomes. Labour opposed these measures in parliament when they came in just two months ago, and we are pleased the justice secretary has finally given in to all those who argued against these unfair fee increases.

This success means that more asylum seekers and migrants will have access to justice. Labour is continuing to oppose the Tories’ policy of employment tribunal fees.