In a crucial vote, British lawmakers have endorsed the government’s plan to send certain asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The House of Commons voted 313-269 in favour of the Rwanda bill, sustaining a policy that has drawn criticism from human rights groups and incurred a cost of at least $300 million for the UK.
The bill is a response to a UK Supreme Court ruling that deemed the plan to send migrants who arrive in Britain across the English Channel to Rwanda illegal. The new bill aims to address the legal issues raised by the court and was facilitated by a recent agreement signed by Rwanda and the UK.
Despite the approval, the bill faces criticism from both Conservative centrists, who argue it may breach international law, and right-wing hardliners, who believe it doesn’t go far enough to ensure the deportation of unauthorised migrants.
The plan, which involves sending asylum-seekers to Rwanda permanently, has been a contentious issue for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has pledged to “stop the boats” bringing migrants across the English Channel. Sunak sees delivering on this promise as key to closing the polling gap with the Labour Party ahead of the upcoming election.
The plan has already cost the UK government a significant amount, with payments to the African country exceeding £240 million ($300 million). It has faced legal challenges, and the Supreme Court ruled it illegal last month, prompting the signing of a treaty between the UK and Rwanda. The bill, if approved by Parliament, would allow the government to “disapply” sections of UK human rights law concerning Rwanda-related asylum claims.
Human rights groups argue that the plan is impractical and unethical, sending asylum-seekers thousands of miles away with no chance of returning to the UK. They also highlight Rwanda’s poor human rights record, including allegations of torture and killings.
The vote result is seen as a victory for Sunak, providing him with some breathing space, but the controversy surrounding the bill is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
