Suspected Easter Bomber Stays in UK: Judge Burns and Shabana Mahmood Spark Outcry

In a decision that has ignited fury across the UK, a Sri Lankan national suspected of links to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings — attacks that slaughtered 269 innocent people, including 45 children and eight British citizens — has been granted the right to remain in Britain. Yet, thanks to a ruling by Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Claire Burns and the conspicuous inaction of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, this suspect — known only as “YA” — now walks free among us.

For full details of Judge Claire Burns’ judicial appointment, see the official announcement here:
https://www.judiciary.uk/appointments-and-retirements/appointment-as-a-judge-of-the-first-tier-tribunal-social-entitlement-chamber-claire-burns/

The Horror of Easter Sunday

On April 21, 2019, eight ISIS-linked suicide bombers from the National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ) group detonated explosives at churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, killing 269 and injuring over 500. YA was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of involvement, released on bail, then fled to the UK and claimed asylum.

Judge Claire Burns: The Architect of the Stay

On November 28, 2025, in Birmingham, Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Claire Burns overturned a previous refusal of YA’s asylum appeal, citing “multiple legal errors” in the lower tribunal’s decision. She ordered a complete rehearing, automatically halting any deportation and granting YA temporary protection under Article 3 ECHR (prohibition of torture). This ruling effectively allows a man suspected of ties to one of the deadliest Islamist attacks in recent history to remain in Britain indefinitely pending the new hearing in 2026.

Shabana Mahmood: All Talk, No Action

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has repeatedly called such outcomes “disgraceful” and pushed new legislation, yet she has failed to use her existing powers — certification of claims as clearly unfounded, immediate tagging, or escalation to the Court of Appeal — to remove YA. Critics accuse her of political posturing while refusing to act decisively against terror-linked migrants.

A System That Protects Suspects Over Citizens

With over 170 foreign nationals linked to terrorism currently undeportable due to human-rights laws, and asylum appeal success rates running at 35-40%, the case exposes a system many believe is broken beyond repair. The British public is left paying the price — in safety, in taxes, and in trust.

The victims of Easter Sunday deserve justice. The British people deserve protection.