Britain’s Contentious Plan to Send Some Migrants to Rwanda
Britain’s controversial plan to send some migrants to Rwanda has hit a major hurdle in Parliament. The House of Lords introduced amendments to the Rwanda Bill, sending it back to the House of Commons for further review. This delayed the passing of the legislation, which the government hoped would proceed smoothly. However, the bill is still expected to become law next week, despite this setback.
The resistance in the upper chamber highlights opposition there, as Conservatives lack a majority. The government anticipated the Lords wouldn’t block the bill, but amendments complicated its passage. Home Office Minister Michael Tomlinson stressed the need to tackle human smuggling, the bill’s goal through deportation flights to Rwanda.
Critics argue deporting migrants who don’t wish to live in Rwanda is unethical. The bill aims to overcome a ban on Rwanda deportations imposed by the UK Supreme Court, which ruled Rwanda not safe due to conflict risks in deported peoples’ home countries.
In response, Britain and Rwanda signed a treaty pledging stronger migrant protections. Sunak’s government argues this allows calling Rwanda safe, hindering challenges to deportations. It also disregards injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights blocking removals.
However, human rights groups, refugee charities, senior Church figures, and legal experts criticize the legislation. In February, a parliamentary watchdog said the Rwanda plan violates UK human rights obligations. Major opposition parties also object, with one MP calling the bill “a turd that can’t be polished.”
Despite significant opposition and legal challenges, the government remains determined to pass the legislation, though amendments delayed this. The debate highlights complexities and ethics around UK and global migration policies.
what's Rwanda Bill?
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