Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The UK’s highest court is set to consider the Conservative government’s contentious plan to deport illegal immigrants to Rwanda, a measure aimed at curbing illegal immigration. Despite government claims that Rwanda is a safe country, legal challenges have impeded the project, with the court ruling it as “illegal.” The Court of Appeal in London cited a real risk of people being sent to Rwanda facing persecution and inhuman treatment. Undeterred, the government has appealed to the Supreme Court, emphasizing the importance of Rwanda in achieving its anti-immigration objectives.
The court’s decision, expected in weeks, holds significance for Rishi Sunak’s government, trailing behind the Labour opposition in polls. The government’s tough stance on illegal immigration includes a law prohibiting asylum applications for those entering illegally. The UN criticized this move, warning of potential international consequences. Home Secretary Suella Braverman, known for her right-leaning views, challenged the Geneva Convention and criticized the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). At the Conservative party conference, she portrayed a looming migratory “hurricane” and accused the Labour opposition of favoring open borders.
The UK has faced a surge in Channel crossings, with over 25,000 migrants since January. While the government claims a decline from the 2022 record, the backlog of asylum cases reached a new high in June. The joint statement by Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged European countries to address the “moral crisis” of illegal immigration, emphasizing the role of European states in deciding who enters. Labour leader Keir Starmer criticized the deportation plans as wrong and costly, pledging to collaborate with other nations to combat human trafficking.
The Supreme Court’s ruling will influence the government’s approach to immigration control, impacting political dynamics ahead of potential elections by January 2025. The debate encompasses broader issues of international law, human rights, and the effectiveness of stringent immigration policies in addressing complex challenges.
