Deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda: what is the British Prime Minister's plan B?
The UK government has no right to outsource its asylum system to Rwanda. The Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday, after eighteen months of legal appeals. Only the partnership was a promise by Rishi Sunak's government, to fight illegal immigration. So what's plan B for the Prime Minister?
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds a press conference, following the Supreme Court's ruling on the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, in Downing Street, November 15, 2023, in London. via REUTERS - POOL
By: RFI Follow
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With our correspondent in London, Emeline Vin
Rishi Sunak has announced that he wants to legislate "urgently" to circumvent the Supreme Court's decision, which he nevertheless assures he respects. According to him, the partnership with Rwanda is necessary to deter illegal arrivals – his government is committed to this.
The Prime Minister also indicated that he was working on a "treaty" with Rwanda, which would have greater legal value than a simple partnership. Kigali would no longer be able to deport asylum seekers sent by London before examining their applications. The Supreme Court cited this risk to justify its decision.
The judges recalled the UK's international obligations, including to the European Court of Human Rights. So, if Strasbourg decides to oppose the treaty, Rishi Sunak promises to "do the right thing" and that he will not let a foreign court oppose the British Parliament... Without elaborating.
According to the Prime Minister, the first flights to Rwanda could take off in the spring.
Read alsoThe British Supreme Court rules that it is illegal to return asylum seekers to Rwanda
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