MYA -v- London Borough of Southwark (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Claim number: AC-2024-LON-003998

In the High Court of Justice
King’s Bench Division
Administrative Court

18 December 2024

Before:

The Hon Mr Justice Robin Knowles CBE

Between:

The King on the application of
MYA

-v-

London Borough of Southwark

Order

On an application by MYA for urgent consideration and interim relief

Following consideration of the documents lodged by the Claimant and the Defendant (including by email today)

ORDER by the Hon Mr Justice Robin Knowles CBE
18 December 2024

  1. Pending determination of this judicial review or further order in the meantime, the Defendant is to continue to treat the Claimant as aged 17 with his claimed date of birth.
  2. The Claimant is, until further order, granted anonymity in the proceedings and is to be referred to as MYA.

Reasons

  1. Opinion is responsibly divided over MYA’s age. There have been delays in the process of age assessment. It is appropriate that the status quo should hold for the time being, and that is age 17 with the date of birth claimed by the Claimant.
  2. The parties should consider agreeing now a transfer to the Upper Tribunal on the age assessment question, so that this matter can move as quickly as possible although it is appreciated the Claimant’s 18th birthday (in his account) is relatively near.
  3. The Court understands the resource difficulties facing the Defendant and is grateful for the confirmation in the final paragraph of the Defendant’s email at 1154 on 18.12.24.