What does Rishi Sunak want the Bill to do?
The Prime Minister hopes the Safety of Rwanda Bill will allow flights to Rwanda to take off. It declares that Rwanda is a safe country, disapplies sections of the Human Rights Act and gives ministers powers to ignore interim measures issued by the European Court of Human Rights.
So why are some Conservatives concerned about the Bill?
Some are worried it does not go far enough. Asylum seekers will still be able to challenge their removal to Rwanda. They are also concerned judges will still be able to ground flights.
What do the rebels want?
They want the Prime Minister to ban almost all avenues of appeals, to introduce stronger rules allowing ministers to ignore Section 39 orders from the ECHR and an “expanded notwithstanding clause” to further limit appeals using international treaties.
But what is Rule 39?
Rule 39, or interim measures, allow European judges to block deportation flights at the last moment.
How much has the Government spent on the Rwanda deportation scheme?
So far, £290 million.
How do other wings of the Conservative Party feel about this?
They are also concerned. But they are worried strengthening the Safety of Rwanda Bill will break international law and they could refuse to support it.
What has Rishi Sunak said about the concerns?
He said he is confident his Bill will do the job and limit avenues to appeals. But he has invited “bright ideas” on how to strengthen it.
Why is the Bill necessary?
To address the concerns of the Supreme Court. Judges ruled migrants cannot be sent to Rwanda because they are at risk of “refoulement” – or, in simple terms – being deported from Kigali back to their home country.
What is the background?
The Channel migrant crisis. Some 29,437 asylum seekers crossed the English Channel in dangerously flimsy small boats. In 2022, 45,755 migrants made the same journey.
Why Rwanda?
To act as a crucial deterrent to migrants.
When could the first flight to Kigali take off?
The Government hopes the first plane will depart in “Spring”. But this will largely depend on whether the Government can close off the legal avenues for migrants to appeal deportation orders.
