Rwanda plan is fundamentally flawed, parliamentary report warns
A UK parliamentary committee has criticized the government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, calling it incompatible with human rights commitments.
The Joint Committee on Human Rights suggests the policy could damage the UK's global standing.
The controversial plan, which has divided the Prime Minister's party and led to the resignation of an immigration minister, intends to deny asylum in the UK for those crossing the English Channel, and instead send them to Rwanda, which has agreed to review their asylum cases.
Despite the cost of £290m already incurred, the plan's future is uncertain with debate forthcoming in the House of Lords.
There are concerns that the legislation could prevent asylum seekers from accessing legal recourse in the UK. The Supreme Court has questioned Rwanda's status as a safe country, and critics argue that the safety of Rwanda should be determined by the courts rather than being enshrined in law.
The proposed bill has received 90 proposed amendments in opposition, although the government maintains that Rwanda is a safe location for refugees.
While part of the Prime Minister's key agenda is to reduce illegal crossings, the Home Office anticipates spending £700m on related matters by 2030.
The controversial plan, which has divided the Prime Minister's party and led to the resignation of an immigration minister, intends to deny asylum in the UK for those crossing the English Channel, and instead send them to Rwanda, which has agreed to review their asylum cases.
Despite the cost of £290m already incurred, the plan's future is uncertain with debate forthcoming in the House of Lords.
There are concerns that the legislation could prevent asylum seekers from accessing legal recourse in the UK. The Supreme Court has questioned Rwanda's status as a safe country, and critics argue that the safety of Rwanda should be determined by the courts rather than being enshrined in law.
The proposed bill has received 90 proposed amendments in opposition, although the government maintains that Rwanda is a safe location for refugees.
While part of the Prime Minister's key agenda is to reduce illegal crossings, the Home Office anticipates spending £700m on related matters by 2030.