British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised that the first deportation flights to Rwanda could leave within the next 10 to 12 weeks. This move is aimed at resolving a parliamentary deadlock over a major political promise ahead of the upcoming elections later this year.
Addressing a press conference, Rishi Sunak spoke directly to the public after committing last week to keep Parliament in session until the legislation is passed. The House of Commons will consider the bill later in the day, followed by the House of Lords.
Rishi Sunak called on the unelected House of Lords to stop blocking the legislation that would allow authorities to deport certain asylum seekers to Rwanda as he seeks to fulfill a campaign promise to “stop the boats” bringing migrants to the UK illegally.
“Enough is enough,” said Mr. Sunak, informing reporters that commercial charter planes had been booked to transport asylum seekers. He declined to provide details on how many individuals would be taking these flights in the coming months. “We are ready. Plans are in place, and these flights will happen come what may. No foreign court will stop us from taking off,” he stated.
The bill has been delayed for two months due to disagreements between the two chambers of Parliament. The Lords have proposed amendments that were rejected by the Commons, causing back-and-forth negotiations. Although the Lords don’t have the power to overturn legislation, they must give their consent before it becomes law.
The ruling Conservative Party is considering sending certain asylum seekers to Rwanda to deter migrants from risking the perilous journey across the English Channel on leaky inflatable boats. This project, pursued by three Prime Ministers over the past two years, has faced a series of legal challenges and vehement opposition from migrant advocates who deem it illegal and inhumane.
The current legislation, known as the Safety of Rwanda Bill, is a response to a Supreme Court decision that halted deportation flights because the government could not guarantee the safety of migrants sent to Rwanda.
Following the signing of a new treaty with Rwanda to strengthen migrant protection, the government proposed new legislation declaring Rwanda a safe country.
Independent House of Lords member Alex Carlile stated that the amendments aimed to improve legislation that is “misconceived, poorly drafted, and inappropriate” and is “illegal under current UK and international law.”
“This, in my view, is the most inexplicable and insensitive day I have experienced in nearly 40 years in either House of Parliament,” he told the BBC. “What Rishi Sunak is asking Parliament to do is to say that an untruth is the truth.”