British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has scored a significant political victory with the passage of the Migrant Deportation to Rwanda Bill. Despite an attempted rebellion within its majority, the text was approved by the deputies in the House of Commons. This measure aims to put an end to the arrival of migrants by boat on British coasts.
The bill sparked intense controversy and exposed divisions within the Conservative Party. Moderates feared an attack on international rights, while those further to the right wanted stricter measures. Despite the heated debates and resounding resignations, Rishi Sunak managed to rally his majority and have the text adopted.
This bill aims to address the concerns of the British Supreme Court, which ruled that the previous version was illegal due to concerns about the safety of asylum seekers returned to Rwanda. Under the plan, asylum seekers will have their case examined in Rwanda and will only be able to return to the UK if their asylum application in the African country is successful.
Despite this adoption, the future of the bill remains uncertain. It must now be approved by the House of Lords, which could make amendments. Additionally, if Labor comes to power after the upcoming general election, the party has promised to repeal the law. Furthermore, an excessive tightening of migration policy could compromise the partnership with Rwanda, which has already received significant financial aid from the United Kingdom.
This adoption of the bill raises questions about its compatibility with international law. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) considers that this version does not respect international standards for the protection of human rights.
In conclusion, the adoption of the bill on the expulsion of migrants to Rwanda by the House of Commons represents a political victory for the British Prime Minister. However, the future of this project remains uncertain and its compatibility with international law is questioned.