The UK charity Care4Calais is actively recruiting volunteers to oppose Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s planned deportation flights to Rwanda. This initiative is part of the charity’s efforts to assist migrants threatened with deportation by helping them file appeals. Previously, a scheduled deportation flight was halted, intensifying scrutiny over the treatment of illegal migrants potentially being sent to Africa.

Recent controversy has surrounded Care4Calais, as the Charity Commission reprimanded them last year for misconduct. Despite this, the charity continues its work under the leadership of CEO Steve Smith, who affirms their commitment to protecting human rights and providing legal assistance to those at risk.

The government, with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins indicating that the Rwanda flights could commence within weeks, faces fierce opposition. Home Secretary Priti Patel accuses Care4Calais of engaging in political activism rather than addressing the root causes of people-smuggling.

In a related context, the UK government is focusing on the Rwanda Bill, which aims to support the deportation strategy to Kigali, following setbacks including a judgment from the Supreme Court declaring the plan unlawful. This bill is undergoing scrutiny in Parliament, with the House of Lords proposing amendments for additional legal protections. The government continues to explore similar agreements with other countries to tackle the challenge of illegal migration, which could involve significant financial costs.

This week, the government also deals with other significant legislative issues, including a tobacco control proposal aimed at reducing smoking rates among individuals under 15, showcasing the variety of critical matters facing current UK leadership.