…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
The government’s highly debated plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has been blocked by senior judges who deemed the African country “not safe.”
The Home Office had devised this policy as part of its “Stop The Boats” immigration strategy.
Despite previous legal challenges being dismissed, the Court of Appeal ruled that the policy would endanger asylum seekers and is unlawful.
Government to Appeal Court of Appeal’s Decision
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed strong disagreement with the Court of Appeal’s ruling and announced that the government would seek an appeal in the Supreme Court.
While Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett of Maldon disagreed with the majority decision, he acknowledged that the deficiencies in Rwanda’s asylum system raised concerns about the risk of persecution or inhumane treatment faced by individuals who are sent there.
Response from Rwanda and Further Legal Proceedings
The Rwandan government expressed its disagreement with the Court of Appeal’s ruling, asserting that Rwanda is one of the safest countries globally and has been commended by the UNHCR and other international institutions for its treatment of refugees.
The legal battle will now likely move to the Supreme Court for a final decision on the government’s policy’s legality.
Criticisms and Cost Concerns
The government’s Rwanda policy has faced significant criticism, particularly regarding concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record.
Recent figures from the Home Office revealed that each asylum seeker forcibly removed to a third country like Rwanda could cost the government approximately £169,000.
Additionally, an economic assessment of the Illegal Migration Bill, currently before Parliament, indicates that the government would need to deter a significant number of small boats crossing the Channel to break even financially.
Shadow Home Secretary and London Mayor’s Responses
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the government’s approach, stating that the Rwanda scheme was unworkable, unethical, and expensive.
She called for a focus on tackling criminal gangs and addressing the asylum backlog instead.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan referred to the government’s Rwanda policy as “callous and unworkable,” claiming it brought shame upon the nation.
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