Rishi Sunak is holding firm on his proposal to process asylum seekers in Rwanda, vowing that the policy will be enacted even if it requires late-night sessions in Parliament for approval.
The ongoing deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament has stretched over the last four months, with the House of Lords repeatedly blocking and amending the bill. The House of Commons is set to vote on the amended version in the coming days.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is scheduled to address the media later today to discuss his strategy amid the standoff. He has made it clear that there will be no further delays and that Parliament will continue voting until the bill is passed.
The proposed legislation by the government aims to restrict legal challenges to its plan to transport asylum seekers to Rwanda and facilitate the removal of refugees who entered the UK through illegal means. The bill has faced opposition from the Lords, who have proposed amendments, including exemptions for asylum seekers from Afghanistan and a requirement for expert oversight before flights to Rwanda can commence.
The back-and-forth between the two Houses could persist until either a compromise is reached or one side concedes. The Safety of Rwanda Bill, as termed by Mr. Sunak, is deemed crucial to achieving his goal of curbing the influx of migrants across the Channel.
Critics of the legislation argue that it puts individuals at risk and undermines judicial independence. Despite the challenges, the government is determined to push through the bill to ensure the implementation of the Rwanda scheme.
The UK-Rwanda treaty, which was signed in response to a Supreme Court ruling, plays a central role in the government’s plan. However, concerns have been raised about Rwanda’s compliance with the treaty, with opponents calling for greater clarity and safeguards for asylum seekers.
As the debate continues in Parliament, the future of the Safety of Rwanda Bill remains uncertain, with both sides standing firm on their positions. The bill’s fate will be decided in the upcoming parliamentary sessions, as the government seeks to address the concerns raised by the Lords while maintaining its commitment to the Rwanda scheme.
