In a week of significant legal and political debate, Dr S Chelvan - Head of Immigration and Public Law at 33 Bedford Row - has been featured across major outlets who are seeking clarity on immigration and asylum law.

Chelvan has been the go-to legal expert for a series of high-profile interviews, providing accurate, nuanced analysis on a complex and often misunderstood area of law. His busy week highlights the media's trust in his expertise, turning to him for insight.

August 15th: TalkTV

Dr. Chelvan started his week on TalkTV with a lively debate on the asylum system. He challenged common misconceptions, stating that "we as the British public have always been accepting of refugees who come here to seek sanctuary." He went on to explain that due to the lack of available visas, people are often forced to take "desperate means to come to the UK," directly addressing the public's perception of "choice" in the journey to Britain.

 

August 19th: Times Radio

Dr. Chelvan provided his legal commentary on Times Radio, where he continued to share his expert analysis. Listen to the interview here.

 

August 20: BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast & Channel 4 News

Dr. Chelvan appeared on both BBC Radio 5 Live and Channel 4 News. 

On Radio 5 Live Dr Chelvan explained the Epping Court ruling was limited to its facts, and that this was "relating to planning permission, not to the government's use of asylum hotels". The BBC Radio 5 Interview can be listened to here.

Channel 4 Interview:

 

 

August 21: Sky News & BBC News

Interviews were requested by both Sky News and BBC News. On Sky, Dr Chelvan provided further crucial clarification on the recent Epping Court Ruling on asylum hotels. He stated that the case was not a broad challenge to the Home Office's ability to use hotels, but rather a narrow legal issue about planning permission for a specific property. He cautioned against predicting a "domino effect," stressing that each case must be taken on its own facts.

Later on BBC News, Dr. Chelvan provided insight into the broader asylum system and , linking the high number of asylum seekers to the quality of decision-making and a lack of funding at the Home Office. He argued that more resources are needed to ensure that those in genuine need of protection are granted asylum efficiently, rather than being left in limbo.

Sky News: 

 

BBC News: 

 

 

August 22: TalkTV

Dr Chelvan concluded the week with a return to TalkTV to provide more expert commentary on the law.

Chelvan was interviewed alongside Dr Bob Seely - British Conservative Party politician who served as the Member of Parliament for the Isle of Wight from 2017 until the constituency was split in two in 2024. 

TalkTV Interview: 

 

His busy week of interviews across the UK's most respected news channels underscores the media's reliance on his accurate and clear legal analysis. In a fast-moving and often politically charged area of law, Dr. Chelvan has cemented his position as a trusted and objective voice.