House of Lords votes to stop Afghan servicemen being sent to Rwanda

The UK's House of Lords has voted to protect Afghan nationals who assisted British forces from being deported to Rwanda.

In a debate over the Safety of Rwanda bill's proposed amendments, they ruled 244 to 160 to shield these Afghans and their families in recognition of their support before the 2021 Taliban surge.

Additionally, by a 278 to 189 majority, the Lords blocked attempts to transfer decision-making on these cases from UK courts to the Rwandan government. They also agreed, 265 to 181, that appeals on age disputes for purported unaccompanied minors should be heard before their potential removal.

Critics, including child refugee and Lord Dubs, and the Bishop of Chelmsford, emphasized the moral and legal imperatives of proper age assessment to prevent wrongful deportations.

This bill is a cornerstone of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's campaign to curb illegal Channel crossings. If passed, it would authorize the UK to process asylum-seekers' claims in Rwanda and empower ministers to overrule European human rights rulings.

Despite the House of Commons' approval, the Lords have inflicted three recent defeats on the bill, following five others, challenging Sunak's call for the Lords to respect "the will of the people." Lord Coaker of Labour highlighted the necessity of judicial oversight for justice and democracy, even if inconvenient for the government.