Court Okays First Flight of Asylum Seekers from UK to Rwanda

Despite stiff opposition and wide condemnation, Appeal Court Judges rule in favour of the government’s plan to fly the first batch of asylum seekers to Rwanda on Tuesday.
Campaigners were trying to stop the flight before a full hearing on whether the policy is lawful next month. The charity Detention Action and the PCS union that represents some Border Force staff, who were among the groups who brought the case, said they were “disappointed” by the decision.
The head of the UN Refugee Agency, Filippo Grandi, said the plans were “all wrong” and could set a “catastrophic” precedent.
And leaders of the Church of England – including the archbishops of Canterbury and York – wrote in the Times that it was an “immoral policy that shames Britain”.
But, the government says the scheme will discourage dangerous journeys across the English Channel and therefore undermine smuggling gangs, but charities, religious leaders and opposition parties have criticised it.
In its ruling, the Appeal Court supports a previous decision by the High Court that it was in the “public interest” for the government to carry out its policies.
Under the scheme, some of those entering the UK illegally will be flown to Rwanda to apply for asylum there.
Campaigners were trying to stop the flight before a full hearing on whether the policy is lawful next month. Around eight asylum seekers are expected to be on the flight.
The charity Detention Action and the PCS union that represents some Border Force staff, who were among the groups who brought the case, said they were “disappointed” by the decision. Eight people are expected to fly to the landlocked east African country on Tuesday evening, a Home Office source told the BBC.
In mid-April, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a deal, under which Rwanda would house migrants seeking asylum in Britain in exchange for a down payment of £120 million ($148 million).
London will also pick up the tab for the migrants’ accommodation and integration, as clarified by the Home Office.
“Our new Migration and Economic Development Partnership will mean that anyone entering the UK illegally – as well as those who have arrived illegally since January 1st – may now be relocated to Rwanda,” the British PM announced at the time.
Johnson argued that the scheme would deal a severe blow to people smugglers while taking the heat off Britain’s social services.
Despite Johnson insisting that Rwanda was “one of the safest countries in the world,” critics were left unconvinced, with the Refugee Council group branding the scheme as “cruel and nasty.” The Labour party was also quick to pick holes in the plan, which it said was “extortionate as well as unworkable & unethical.”
According to the UK Times newspaper, it is not only the opposition and rights groups, that are highly critical of the scheme, but also Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne.