The saga over the Government’s Rwanda scheme is far from resolved. On Tuesday, peers are once again set to debate legislation declaring the east African nation safe for refugees. The stakes are high, and the wrangling between the Houses of Parliament continues.
Background
The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill has been at the centre of heated debate. The Government’s objective is to compel judges to regard Rwanda as a safe destination for asylum seekers who cross the Channel in small boats. However, the path to achieving this has been fraught with challenges.
Recent Developments
On Monday, MPs successfully overturned six House of Lords amendments, reverting the bill to its original form. This move came two years after the UK first announced its deal with Rwanda. The legislation aims to streamline the process of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda on one-way flights.
The Lords’ Response
Now, the Bill heads back to the House of Lords. Peers have the opportunity to further shape the legislation. Will they make another attempt to amend it, or will they concede defeat and allow it to pass? The outcome remains uncertain.
The legislative tug-of-war between the two Houses continues. If peers vote to approve additional amendments, the Bill will return to the Commons for further votes before once again being sent back to the Lords. The final wording must be agreed upon by both Houses—a process known as parliamentary ping-pong.
Contentious Amendments
Among the amendments overturned by MPs were proposals to ensure the Bill has “due regard” for domestic and international law. Additionally, the duration of Rwanda’s safety status—tied to the provisions of the UK’s treaty with Rwanda—was a point of contention.
Voices from the Debate
During Monday’s debate, veteran Conservative backbencher Sir Bill Cash urged peers to “calm down,” dismissing their amendments as “ridiculous.” Meanwhile, Home Office minister Michael Tomlinson emphasised that the “elected” Commons had voted in favour of an unamended Bill, calling on MPs to “stand with the Government in upholding the will of the House of Commons.”
However, Labour’s shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock criticised the Rwanda scheme, labelling it “doomed to fail” and describing the policy as “fundamentally unworkable, unaffordable, and unlawful.”
Impact on Deportation Flights
The ongoing standoff between the two Houses has implications for deportation flights. The Government views these flights to Rwanda as a vital deterrent against small boats crossing the English Channel. While the Government had hoped to launch the flights in spring, the situation remains fluid.
