Rishi Sunak's Rwanda plan meets dead-end

The UK’s highest court has dealt a blow to Rishi Sunak’s immigration policy by rejecting the government’s plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld the Appeal Court’s ruling, citing a real risk of refugees facing incorrect assessment of their claims or potential persecution upon return to their country of origin.

This ruling significantly challenges Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s pledge to “stop the boats,” which aimed to deter asylum seekers arriving via small boats across the Channel with a £140 million Rwanda scheme. However, refugee charities disputed the efficacy of this approach.

Lord Reed, speaking for the Supreme Court, highlighted evidence from the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, pointing to the failure of a similar deportation pact between Israel and Rwanda.

The court’s decision follows a recent controversy involving the sacked Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who accused the Prime Minister of breaking an agreement regarding legal clauses under the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act.

While Rishi Sunak acknowledged the setback, he assured that there’s a “plan B” in place despite Braverman’s criticism.

However, this judgment raises questions about the scheme’s expenditure, with over £140 million already paid to Rwanda, and the government’s refusal to disclose further cost breakdowns.

The ruling received positive reactions from refugee support groups and legal representatives, hailing it as a victory for human rights and the rule of law.

They criticized the Rwanda deportation scheme as both immoral and unlawful, emphasizing the need for a fair asylum system and safe routes for those seeking refuge in the UK.