Mark Symes was part of the legal team in a set of test cases involving the lawfulness of returning asylum seekers to have their cases considered in Italy. The cases arose because of the lack of accommodation there.
The shortage and poor conditions of accommodation in Italy have been caused by the large refugee movements resulting from the Arab Spring. The cases will determine the proper test to be applied to claims regarding the reception conditions for asylum seekers in fellow European Union Member States.
The three-day hearing took place last week from 18 to 20 September. The other barristers acting for the claimants were Monica Carrs-Frisk QC, David Chirico and Melanie Plimmer.
Mark Symes is a member of the Garden Court Chambers Immigration Team.
