French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the UK government’s policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, denouncing it as a ‘cynical’ act and a ‘betrayal of European values,’ amid fierce debates on the future of European cooperation on immigration.
French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly criticised the UK government’s policy to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, labelling it as “cynical” and a “betrayal of European values.” This criticism was articulated during discussions around the future of Europe, where Macron underscored the plan’s potential ineffectiveness and its counterproductive nature. The UK government, on its part, has defended the policy through statements from Downing Street and Secretary of State for the Home Department, James Cleverly. It asserts that the deportation scheme to Rwanda meets international obligations.
Despite ongoing disagreements, Home Secretary James Cleverly has reiterated the government’s stance, describing the initiative as necessary within a broader strategy to manage illegal immigration. This includes disrupting human smuggling networks and ensuring the safety of migrants attempting to cross the English Channel. Cleverly has also visited migration hotspots like Lampedusa, Italy, to emphasize the UK’s commitment against illegal crossings. The Rwanda plan, officially known as the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024, has been formalised, marking Rwanda as a designated safe location for migrants.
This deportation policy emerges amid broader political context where the Conservatives, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, face scrutiny and potential losses in local elections. Amidst party pressures and looming leadership challenges, Cleverly has cautioned his party colleagues against initiating another leadership dispute, emphasizing unity and focus on government achievements. Internationally, the Rwanda deportation scheme continues to elicit criticism and skepticism about its ethical justification and effectiveness in managing migration issues.