LONDON: House of Commons to Vote on Government’s Plan to Send Asylum Seekers to Rwanda
The long-awaited decision on the government’s proposal to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is finally reaching a critical point, with ten votes expected in the House of Commons.
Two-Year Journey
It has been nearly two years since Prime Minister Boris Johnson first introduced the idea as a deterrent for dangerous crossings of the English Channel in small boats.
Changes Proposed by House of Lords
The House of Lords has put forward ten amendments to the proposed new law, including considerations for the safety of Rwanda and the ability for legal challenges in cases of misidentification as adults.
Government’s Response
Government sources view the amendments as efforts to delay or disrupt the plans, with Conservative MPs expected to overturn the changes in the Commons.
Next Steps
The bill will then return to the House of Lords for further debate, with potential for additional amendments to be added. The process may involve a round of “ping pong” between the two chambers.
Timeline for Implementation
While the government aims to have a flight to Rwanda in the spring, the actual implementation may take a few weeks to a month. Critics argue that the plan is more of a political maneuver than a practical solution.
Future Challenges
Legal challenges and potential returns of asylum seekers to the UK may complicate the process, as the saga of Rwanda continues to unfold.
As the bill nears completion, the government’s controversial plan is on track to become law in the near future.
