Members of Parliament (MPs) in the United Kingdom have voted against the amendments proposed by the House of Lords to the Rwanda Bill, which seeks to facilitate the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda.
All 10 amendments, including provisions allowing courts to assess Rwanda’s safety, were dismissed, with the government asserting Rwanda’s safety.
Previously, the Supreme Court deemed the plan unlawful, citing potential human rights violations. Labour contends that each deportation could cost as much as sending six people to space.
The proposed legislation aims to enable the UK to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda by designating it as a safe destination.
Home Office Minister Michael Tomlinson defended the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill in the Commons, emphasising its importance in safeguarding the UK’s borders. He asserted that the bill aligns with international obligations and criticised ongoing legal challenges impeding deportations.
Despite facing criticism, including concerns about costs raised by Labour backbencher Neil Coyle, who compared deportation expenses to space travel costs, Conservative MPs maintained support for the bill. Tory backbencher Richard Graham argued that high costs would deter unfounded asylum claims.
However, former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland expressed reservations about legal uncertainties surrounding Rwanda’s safety and advocated for exemptions for individuals who aided the UK’s armed forces.
MPs rejected all Lords amendments, signalling a return of the original draft legislation to the Lords. Peers will reconsider the bill before the Easter break. However, Downing Street remains committed to initiating deportation flights to Rwanda before June.