CAMPAIGNERS demanded the government “stop wasting taxpayers’ money” today defending the “one in, one out” scheme after ministers vowed to fight any legal cases against the “cruel and inhumane” policy.

Ahead of a court challenge led by 16 asylum-seekers, which started today, border security and asylum minister Alex Norris said: “Last-minute modern slavery claims must never be used to prevent the removal of illegal migrants.

“The government will fight any legal attempt in the courts to frustrate their removal or deportation.”

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Migrants (JCWI) hit back at the government’s latest promise to continue defending tooth and nail a policy which the group branded “state-sponsored human trafficking.”

JCWI spokesperson Griff Ferris told the Morning Star: “The cruel and inhumane ‘one in one out’ policy amounts to state-sponsored human trafficking, as well as being in contravention of international human rights law, as recently condemned by the UN.

“We need a compassionate migration policy that welcomes and promises safe haven for people who’ve undergone often horrific journeys and exploitation, not one that demonises and punishes them to pander to the far-right.

“The government should stop wasting taxpayers’ money on defending this immoral scheme in the courts, and instead focus on housing and supporting people.”

The court case at the Royal Courts of Justice will hear arguments based on modern slavery and human trafficking laws.

If successful, a legal challenge of this type could halt the scheme between Britain and France which came into force last August.