London – The Court of Appeal on Thursday found that the £140 million UK deal to deport asylum seekers on a one-way plane ticket to Rwanda was unlawful.
The Court of Appeal’s decision was announced by the Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett during a short hearing in London.
The court said it reached its conclusion on the law and took “no view whatsoever” about the political merits of the policy.
The UK government has already indicated that it will challenge it in the Supreme Court.
In April 2022, the British government announced a plan to send asylum seekers on a one-way ticket to Rwanda if they cross the Channel to the United Kingdom.
The UN Refugee Agency defines an asylum seeker as someone who has applied for shelter and protection in another country.
The government says that this deportation plan will stop people arriving in the UK through “illegal, dangerous or unnecessary methods, like on small boats.
However, in June 2022, a flight carrying asylum seekers was cancelled after legal action was taken by the ECtHR in Strasbourg which triggered further legal action from Barristers, campaigners, and over 160 charities in the UK against this policy.
According to the BBC, Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said the fact the flight could not take off was “indicative of the inhumanity of the plan.
However, in December 2022, the high court ruled that the policy did not breach the UN’s Refugee Convention or human rights laws.
Eight asylum-seeker cases were not considered accurately, and they would have to be reconsidered by the court.
In January, those who were going to be removed from the UK were able to win and get to challenge this policy in the court of appeal.
Irrespective, Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been committed to making the Rwanda policy legal in the UK and has been eager to hear todays outcome.
Today, three judges ruled Rwanda is not a safe country to send asylum seekers to and that there were deficiencies” in the Rwandan asylum system.
Those who are sent there could face having to go back to their countries.
Rwanda insists it is a safe destination.
Spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said: “While this is ultimately a decision for the UK’s judicial system, we do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe country for asylum seekers and refugees”.
Makolo added: “Rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world and we have been recognised by the UNHCR and other international institutions for our exemplary treatment of refugees.”
However, todays judgment will not end here.
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman said today’s Court of Appeal ruling on the government’s Rwanda plans was “disappointing” and she would seek appeal it.
Nevertheless, if there is an appeal, then this could potentially go to the supreme court.
No asylum seeker has been sent to Rwanda yet through this policy.
Based on the court ruling, there will not be any flights to Rwanda anytime soon.
