British PM Rishi Sunak says first deportation flights to Rwanda leave in 10-12 weeks: ‘enough is enough’
- His pledge comes as he promised to end the parliamentary deadlock over a key policy promise before an election expected later this year
- Sunak’s ruling Conservative Party plans to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda as a deterrent to persuade migrants from crossing the English Channel on leaky inflatable boats
Sunak made the comments at a news conference, making his case directly to the public after vowing last week that parliament would remain in session until the legislation is passed. The House of Commons will take up the bill later in the day, followed by consideration in the House of Lords.
Sunak demanded that the unelected House of Lords to stop blocking legislation allowing authorities to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda, as he seeks to make good on a campaign promise to “stop the boats” that bring migrants to Britain illegally.
“Enough is enough,” Sunak said, as he told reporters that commercial charter planes are booked to carry the asylum seekers.
He declined to provide details when asked how many people were expected to be on the flights in coming months.
“We are ready. Plans are in place, and these flights will go come what may. No foreign court will stop us from getting flights off,” he said.
UK MPs reject changes to Sunak’s Rwanda bill, send it back to Lords
The bill has been stalled for two months as it bounced back and forth between the two houses of parliament, with the Lords repeatedly offering amendments that were then rejected by the Commons. The Lords do not have the power to kill the legislation, but they must give their assent before it can become law.
The governing Conservative Party plans to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda as a deterrent to persuade migrants that it is not worth the risk of crossing the English Channel on leaky inflatable boats.
The plan, pursued by three prime minsters over the past two years, has so far been stymied by a series of court rulings and vocal opposition from migrant advocates who say it is illegal and inhumane.
The current legislation, known as the Safety of Rwanda Bill, is a response to a Supreme Court decision that blocked the deportation flights because the government could not guarantee the safety of migrants sent to Rwanda.
‘Mutual benefit’ as China sends top doctors to Rwanda in healthcare diplomacy
After signing a new treaty with Rwanda to strengthen protections for migrants, the government proposed the new legislation declaring Rwanda to be a safe country.
Alex Carlile, an independent member of the House of Lords, said the amendments are designed to improve “ill-judged, badly drafted, inappropriate” legislation that is “illegal in current Britain and international law”.
“This is, in my view, the most inexplicable and insensitive day I’ve experienced in nearly 40 years in one or other house of parliament,” he said to the BBC. “What Rishi Sunak is asking parliament to do is say that an untruth is a truth.”
