The House of Lords has rejected Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s controversial Rwanda asylum bill, demanding amendments to ensure compatibility with human rights laws and sparking a legislative battle that could delay its implementation.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda asylum bill faced significant hurdles in the House of Lords, marking a notable setback in the government’s efforts to manage migrant arrivals through the Channel. The Lords rejected the bill, calling for amendments to strengthen human rights safeguards and demanding that the bill adheres to both domestic and international laws. This development has delayed the bill’s progress and its potential implementation, which aimed at authorizing the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda as a deterrent against dangerous crossings.
The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill has been at the center of a standoff between the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Lords have insisted on amendments that include respecting domestic and international legal responsibilities and examining concerns regarding the safety of vulnerable groups like unaccompanied children and victims of modern slavery.
Despite modifications proposed by the Lords, the Commons has rejected these changes, resulting in a legislative “ping-pong” between both parliamentary houses. Critics, including Labour’s Lord Coaker and Shami Chakrabarti, have highlighted the chaos and confusion surrounding the bill’s process and criticized its reliance on deportation as a means to deter illegal immigration.
This continued deadlock in Parliament suggests the bill will not be finalized before the Easter parliamentary break, thereby delaying any plans to commence deportation flights to Rwanda this spring. The government, spearheaded by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has emphasized the need for this legislation to prevent dangerous sea crossings and to ensure the efficiency of the UK’s asylum and legal systems.
Despite the setbacks and ongoing debates, officials within Sunak’s administration remain hopeful for the bill’s eventual approval, which they argue is crucial for curbing unauthorized migrant arrivals via small boats. The opposition, particularly from Labour, has promised to abandon the policy if elected, pointing to the contentious nature and broader implications of the government’s proposed migration and asylum measures.
