Images of British MPs voting in parliament
British political news was recently marked by a crucial vote in the House of Commons. Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak obtained, not without difficulty, approval of his bill aimed at outsourcing the asylum application system to Rwanda.
This vote was the culmination of several days of heated debates and tensions within the conservative majority. High-profile resignations and behind-the-scenes negotiations have highlighted divisions within the ruling party. Moderates feared a violation of international law, while more right-wing members wanted to go further.
The bill was drafted to address concerns from the UK Supreme Court, which ruled the previous version of the bill was illegal, particularly due to concerns over the safety of asylum seekers sent to Rwanda. According to the project, asylum seekers, regardless of their origin, would have their files examined in Rwanda. If they are granted asylum, there is no way they would be able to return to the UK and would have to settle in the African country.
During the debates, many conservative MPs tried to toughen the project, proposing amendments aimed at limiting the right of migrants to appeal their expulsion. The resignation of two vice-presidents of the Conservative Party, supported by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has increased tensions.
To save the project, widely criticized by humanitarian organizations, the government signed a new agreement with Rwanda. This agreement, which defines Rwanda as a safe third country, prevents the return of migrants to their country of origin. Additionally, some provisions of the UK’s Human Rights Act would not apply to evictions, limiting legal recourse.
However, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) stressed that the latest version of the draft was not compatible with international law.
The bill must now be approved by unelected members of the House of Lords, who could amend it. If it is adopted before the legislative elections scheduled for the fall, the Labor Party, led by Keir Starmer, has promised to repeal it if it comes to power after fourteen years in opposition.
In parallel with these political developments, Rwandan President Paul Kagame reacted to the bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom during an intervention at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He notably mentioned the financial aspect of the agreement, saying that if the asylum seekers did not come, Rwanda would return the money received. The British government has already paid nearly £240 million to Rwanda to cover the initial settlement costs of migrants and support the country’s economic development..
The relocation of the asylum system to Rwanda therefore remains a controversial subject, dividing the British political class and raising concerns at international level. The final outcome of this Bill will be decisive for the UK’s approach to immigration and asylum in the years to come.