Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron has denied that Brexit has impeded the formation of a deal with France regarding the return of asylum seekers. This statement arose in the context of finding alternatives to the Dublin Regulation, which allowed the EU states to return asylum seekers to their first point of entry into the bloc. Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the regulation no longer applies, necessitating new agreements.

Addressing the challenges with France over a new return agreement, Lord Cameron revealed that the UK government is considering various other measures. He also defended the government’s deportation plan involving Rwanda, asserting its potential to deter illegal Channel crossings. The plan, although controversial and legally challenged, aims to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda as a deterrent measure.

Amid controversy and criticism, fellow Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell endorsed the safety aspects of the Rwanda arrangement by drawing attention to Kigali’s relative safety. Lord Cameron emphasized his commitment to data-driven approaches in assessing the safety and feasibility of such measures.

The discussions unfold in a backdrop of ongoing debates and legislation regarding the UK’s migration policies post-Brexit. The core focus, as stressed by Lord Cameron, remains on managing migration effectively while ensuring the security and rights of all parties involved.