Prime Minister Sunak met Rwandan President Kagame, as the UK-Rwanda deportation scheme flounders, with issues over housing and finding an airline to deport migrants hamstringing the illegal plan. Here’s the full story.
Beset by Problems
Rishi Sunak’s illegal plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda despite it not being a safe country for them to be sent to has been beset by problems since disgraced Prime Minister Boris Johnson seemed to pull the plan out of the air two years ago.
Unlawful Scheme
In November 2023, the UK Supreme Court deemed the plan unlawful, citing concerns that deporting migrants to Rwanda would violate both British and international human rights laws and agreements.
Human Rights Outcry
The plan has been met with an outcry from human rights groups who have derided it as both horrifyingly inhumane and profoundly unworkable.
Yet to Become Law
To sidestep the plan’s profound illegality, Britain and Rwanda signed a treaty stating that both countries would ensure the safety of asylum seekers who were sent there. However, the Safety of Rwanda Bill has yet to pass through parliament and become law.
Back and Forth
The Bill is currently being debated between the Commons and the Lords, with several peers attempting to stop the plan from taking place entirely and no clear timetable for when it will become law.
With Friends Like These
Despite all this, Rishi Sunak recently welcomed Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has murdered and imprisoned dissidents, journalists and opposition figures during his 20 years in power.
Ongoing Attempts
The two met at Downing Street to discuss the ongoing attempts by Sunak’s Conservative government to implement its illegal deportation plan.
£500 Million
During the meeting, Sunak and Kagame were reported to have discussed implementing the illegal £500 million deportation scheme.
“In the Spring”
Despite the confidence on display from the pair, who claimed the flights to Rwanda will begin “in the spring,” no asylum seekers have been sent to Rwanda yet.
4,000 Miles Away
One of the many uncertainties plaguing the deportation plan is the apparent lack of airlines willing to take on the public relations nightmare of being the company responsible for sending desperate people on a one-way trip to a country 4,000 miles away from the one they are attempting to claim asylum in.
AirTanker
Despite the presumed backlash against any airline company willing to take on the unenviable task, one company called AirTanker has refused to answer questions on rumours that it has accepted the job.
Freedom From Torture
The charity Freedom From Torture asked AirTaker specifically in June 2022 if they had no plans in place to fly asylum seekers halfway around the world for the UK government.
70% Sold
However, this is not the only thing standing in the way of the government’s illegal asylum plan after The Times claimed that over 70% of the properties in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, that had been earmarked for housing the asylum seekers had been sold to local buyers.
No Comment
When asked about this at a press event following the meeting between himself and Sunak, Kagame refused to answer.
“Migration and Economic Development Partnership”
A government spokesperson would only state that the two leaders discussed the “pioneering UK and Rwanda migration and economic development partnership.”
Looking Forward
They added, “Both leaders looked forward to flights departing to Rwanda in the spring,”
Suella Braverman Criticism
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who was fired after calling on police to use more force against peaceful protesters, spoke out with her criticisms of the plan.
“I’m Disappointed”
Braverman told LBC Radio that the government’s plan was in trouble, adding, “I’m disappointed to read that expectations have fallen and that the Rwandans are now selling off some of those properties.”
“Hundreds of Passengers”
She added, “The only way we generate a deterrent effect to stop people getting on the boats and coming to the UK illegally is regular flights, with hundreds of passengers on those flights being sent to Rwanda on a regular basis. I’m afraid the plan, as it stands today, won’t deliver that.”
Refuted Claims
Amidst mounting scrutiny, the Rwandan government has refuted claims regarding selling properties intended for asylum seekers, asserting that the scheme encompasses multiple estates tailored to accommodate migrants.
5,517 People
According to the Home Office, 5,517 people have crossed the Channel in small boats since the start of the year, looking for a better life in the UK.
Several Problems
Despite the many problems facing the UK’s illegal Rwanda deportation scheme, the government seem determined to push ahead with the plan, despite it being declared illegal, a rapidly growing rebellion amongst the Lords, and the exorbitant amount of money that the plan will cost, not one of the poor souls who have made it to Britain has been sent to Rwanda.
Pushing on Regardless
With his eyes on the election in the autumn, Sunak and his government seem determined to push on with at least one plan that they can enter the election campaign having completed, regardless of the human cost.
Who Are We?
As the world’s eyes turn to the UK, the country’s treatment of those with the least speaks volumes about the type of country it is becoming.
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The post Still Waiting: Sunak Seems No Closer to His Promise of ‘Spring’ Flights to Rwanda first appeared on Edge Media.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / JMundy.
Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.