Rwanda Deportation Plans Unlawful: Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor, faced a significant setback as the Supreme Court unanimously rejected the government’s proposal to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. The court upheld an appeal court ruling that highlighted the real risk of refugees facing incorrect assessments of their claims or being sent back to their home countries to endure persecution.
This decision deals a blow to one of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s central promises—to “stop the boats.” The government argued that the £140 million Rwanda scheme would serve as a crucial deterrent for asylum seekers using small boats to reach the UK via the Channel. However, this claim was met with skepticism from refugee charities.
Lord Reed, the president of the Supreme Court, emphasized the unanimous agreement with the Court of Appeal’s ruling. He pointed to evidence from the United Nations’ refugee agency (UNHCR), which exposed the failure of a similar deportation arrangement between Israel and Rwanda.
The ruling comes on the heels of a contentious letter released by the sacked Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, accusing the Prime Minister of breaking an agreement regarding legal clauses under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act.
In response to the judgment, Sunak stated that the government would assess its next steps, insisting that there is a “plan B” despite Braverman’s criticisms. Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized that the partnership with Rwanda is just one element of a broader strategy to address illegal migration.
The judgment raises questions about the expenditure on the scheme, with over £140 million already paid to the Rwandan government. The UK government has been reluctant to disclose a detailed breakdown of costs, including legal fees.
Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council, hailed the decision as a victory for those seeking safety. He urged the government to focus on establishing a fair asylum system on UK soil.
Toufique Hossain of Duncan Lewis solicitors, representing asylum seekers, called it a victory for the rule of law and a reminder that governments must operate within legal bounds.
Freedom from Torture’s CEO, Sonya Sceats, applauded the Supreme Court’s affirmation, describing the UK government’s deal with Rwanda as both immoral and in violation of the country’s laws.
Rwanda Deportation Plans Unlawful and Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, a claimant in the legal challenge, labeled the judgment a victory for humanity and urged the government to abandon such “cruel and immoral” policies in the future. Source thedailycourierng news