British Government Stands Firm on Rwanda Deportation Law
In a bold move, the British government has refused to budge on its Rwanda deportation law as it faces opposition in the House of Lords.
MPs are gearing up for another round of voting on the contentious bill, which aims to send asylum seekers to the east African nation amidst ongoing debates.
Despite calls for amendments from opposition peers to ensure Rwanda’s safety as a destination, No 10 remains resolute in its stance, stating that concessions are off the table to secure the bill’s approval.
The House of Commons is poised to reject four changes proposed by peers on Monday, setting the stage for a return to the House of Lords for further deliberation.
Labour is anticipated to push for a provision banning the deportation of individuals who have supported the UK military to Rwanda, while another amendment suggests that flights should not proceed until an expert committee confirms Rwanda’s compliance with specified safeguards.
With the party lacking a majority in the Lords, the fate of the legislation hinges on crossbench peers, who may choose to cease their opposition, potentially paving the way for the bill’s swift enactment.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has championed the scheme as a crucial element in curbing illegal crossings of the English Channel, with the program initially introduced under Boris Johnson facing setbacks and legal challenges.
The current legislation, introduced earlier this year following a Supreme Court ruling deeming the scheme unlawful, aims to establish Rwanda as a safe country under UK law and limit court interventions on human rights grounds to prevent deportation delays.
Despite government assurances, critics argue that the scheme poses risks and undermines judicial independence, with Labour vowing to scrap it if victorious in the upcoming general election.
As the political landscape heats up, ministers are determined to launch the program before the impending polls, signaling a race against time to implement the controversial law. — BBC
