Yousuf Ali v The Secretary of State for the Home Department

Facts

The appellant is a national of Bangladesh, born on 22 March 1997, who claimed asylum in the United Kingdom on 25 November 2022 on the basis of a fear of persecution arising from his claimed political involvement with the Bangladesh National Party. The Secretary of State for the Home Department refused that claim on 8 April 2024, and he appealed to the First-tier Tribunal. The Tribunal gave notice on 7 August 2026 that the substantive hearing would take place on 1 September 2026. On 26 August 2026 the appellant's solicitors, City Heights Solicitors, applied for the appeal to be determined on the papers, citing his mental health difficulties and his inability to afford advocacy representation; a judge refused that application, noting the absence of any medical evidence and that the Tribunal is experienced in enabling unrepresented appellants to participate effectively. On 28 August 2026 the respondent applied to adjourn or to float the case, being unable to provide a Presenting Officer; Judge Mulready refused that application. On the morning of the hearing the appellant applied again, relying on a discharge letter from the Mental Health Urgent Care Department, Basildon Mental Health Unit dated 27 August 2026; that application too was refused. Neither party attended the hearing.