The British government is making a final effort to revive its plan to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda. A bill addressing the Supreme Court's block on deportation flights is set to be debated in the House of Commons, with potential passage into law in the coming days.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under pressure as his party trails in opinion polls ahead of an upcoming election. The House of Commons will review amendments made by the House of Lords to the Safety of Rwanda Bill, with expectations that the amendments will be removed due to the Conservative majority.
Once the bill becomes law, there may be a delay before deportation flights commence, as legal challenges are anticipated from those selected for removal.
The agreement between Britain and Rwanda, signed nearly two years ago, aims to send migrants who arrive via small boats in the English Channel to Rwanda permanently. Sunak views this plan as crucial in deterring unauthorized migration and disrupting human smuggling operations.
Despite legal hurdles and criticisms, the government remains committed to the Rwanda plan. The Supreme Court's ruling against the plan was countered by a treaty between Britain and Rwanda, which the government argues justifies declaring Rwanda a safe destination.
The Safety of Rwanda Bill, if passed, would reinforce this declaration, limit migrants' ability to challenge deportation, and allow the government to bypass injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights.
However, the legislation has faced opposition from human rights groups, refugee charities, religious leaders, and legal experts, who argue that the plan contradicts the U.K.'s human rights obligations.
Despite ongoing challenges, the British government is determined to proceed with its plan to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda, emphasizing the need to address illegal migration effectively.
For more updates on migration issues, visit AP's coverage of migration issues.
