In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has deemed the government’s deportation scheme to Rwanda as unlawful. It is important to note that the court’s decision solely focused on whether Rwanda qualifies as a “safe third country” for migrants to be sent to. Lord Reed, President of the Supreme Court, delivered the rulin.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has deemed the government’s deportation scheme to Rwanda as unlawful. It is important to note that the court’s decision solely focused on whether Rwanda qualifies as a “safe third country” for migrants to be sent to.

Lord Reed, President of the Supreme Court, delivered the ruling on behalf of the five judges involved in the case, which included Lord Hodge, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord Briggs, and Lord Sales. The court unanimously dismissed the home secretary’s appeal and upheld the Court of Appeal’s conclusion that the Rwanda policy is unlawful.

The published judgment stated that there are substantial grounds to believe that asylum seekers would face a real risk of ill-treatment if they were removed to Rwanda, violating their rights under the Refugee Convention. Lord Reed highlighted Rwanda’s track record of rejecting asylum claims from countries in known conflict zones, despite UK authorities finding such claims to be valid. He also noted Rwanda’s apparent misunderstanding of its obligations under the Refugee Convention and its poor human rights record.

The court also considered concerns about threats to the safety of claimants and limitations on media and political freedom in Rwanda, which raised questions about the country’s compliance with international obligations.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, expressing their opposition to the government’s deportation plan. Alison Thewliss MP, the SNP’s home affairs spokesperson, criticised the policy as morally wrong and inhumane. She highlighted the rising number of people awaiting asylum decisions, the closure of safe and legal routes, and the lack of resources for Home Office staff. Thewliss emphasised the need to treat every asylum seeker and refugee with dignity and compassion.