Britain's Supreme Court Debates the Fate of Flagship Asylum Plan
In a landmark legal battle, Britain's top judges are currently deciding whether Rwanda is a "safe" country to deport illegal immigrants and effectively end the hazardous Channel crossings that have plagued the nation.
Government Argues Rwanda is "Less Attractive" but "Nevertheless Safe"
In the opening stages of the three-day hearing, the government insisted that Rwanda, though less appealing as a place to live, is a "safe" country. Home Office barrister Sir James Eadie KC described Rwanda as a "friendly foreign state" that has shown full commitment to the multi-million-pound deal.
Legal Concerns Over Potential Persecution in Home Countries
Last summer, the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court judgment that declared Rwanda safe due to concerns that the migrants could be later deported back to their home countries, where they may face persecution. However, Sir James stressed the "very powerful" incentives for Rwanda to honor the deal and prevent illegal migrants from making perilous journeys.
A Desperate Need for Deterrence
With over 20,000 migrants already arriving in the UK via small boats this year, the need for an effective deterrent is urgent. The plan to use Rwanda as a visible deterrent aims to discourage individuals from undertaking dangerous journeys across the Channel.
Opposition Claims Rwanda as an Autocratic State with Serious Issues
Lawyers representing asylum seekers argue that Rwanda is a highly autocratic and repressive state that imprisons, tortures, and murders its opponents. According to Raza Husain KC, the Rwandan asylum system is "woefully deficient" and plagued with profound unfairness, arbitrariness, and capacity issues.
A Potential Battle with the European Court of Human Rights
If the Supreme Court approves the deportation plan, ministers may face a battle with the European Court of Human Rights. The court previously halted a would-be flight in June 2022 using an eleventh-hour injunction. This interference has led to calls from several Tory MPs to withdraw from the remit of the European Court of Human Rights.
