The British government has vowed to keep pushing to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda despite the European Courts of Human Rights judgement.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel said they will begin the deportation of other asylum seekers immediately while the government acknowledged its disappointment with the ruling.
A last-minute court judgement on Tuesday ensured there was no deportees from Britain after an asylum seeker had his lawyers making a case for his stay in the UK.
A deal signed in April had sealed the UK’s decision to send asylum seekers to the East African country which is trying to develop its international links.
The deal will see asylum seekers who arrive in boats to the UK get processed in Rwanda, a decision against the very reason many of them chose to flee to the UK.
Boris Johnson said it’s a means to scuttle the criminal gangs who earn money from sending illegal migrants to European countries for greener pastures.
There have however been local and foreign critics including Prince Charles, heir to the British throne.
After the setback on Tuesday, Priti Patel said “preparation for the next flight begins now” as more kicks come in for the British government. Its £120m upfront cash to the Rwandan government for caring for the deported asylum seekers has been described as waste of money.
Cabinet Minister Therese Coffey said the public will be taken aback as to the powers of the European Courts.
“I think the public will be surprised at European judges overruling British judges,” she told Sky News.
Lawyers backing the asylum seekers have said the setback should dissuade the British government from going ahead with other deportations.
Over 28,000 people arrived the UK across the channel last year, more than triple 8,500 reported in 2020. At least 10,000 have arrived this year with more possibly still coming.