Image Credit: Prime Ministers Office
In a significant blow to the UK government's immigration strategy, the Supreme Court has ruled that the controversial Rwanda asylum policy is unlawful. The policy, designed to deport asylum seekers and prevent their return, was championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a central focus of his administration's efforts to curb small boat crossings.
The court's unanimous decision, upholding an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, found that the policy exposed individuals sent to Rwanda to potential human rights breaches. This marks the latest chapter in the ongoing legal battle since Boris Johnson announced the plan in April 2022.
The legal challenge centered around the principle of "non-refoulement," asserting that asylum seekers should not be returned to a country where they might face harm. The Supreme Court justices agreed with the Court of Appeal, highlighting the lack of a proper assessment of Rwanda's safety.
The ruling does not outright ban the deportation of migrants to other countries, but it leaves the £140m Rwanda scheme in disarray. It remains uncertain which nations, if any, would be willing to enter into a similar arrangement with the UK.
The Supreme Court justices expressed "substantial grounds" to believe that individuals deported to Rwanda might face further relocation to unsafe places, casting doubt on Rwanda's practical ability to fulfill assurances regarding its asylum system.
This decision poses a significant political and legislative challenge for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, particularly as he grapples with the aftermath of the sacking of Suella Braverman, who championed the policy as home secretary.
Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke, representing Dover, a key arrival point for small boats, stated, "The Supreme Court decision on Rwanda means the policy is effectively at an end." Concerns are raised about the decision's potential impact on the surge in illegal immigration, with the judgment being seen as a setback that may embolden people smugglers.
As the government faces criticism for its handling of the Rwanda policy and the broader immigration strategy, the Supreme Court's decision adds complexity to an already contentious issue. The fallout continues, with questions about the government's next steps and the potential for a reevaluation of its immigration policies
