In a dramatic turn of events that rocked the foundations of UK politics, the Supreme Court on Wednesday (Nov 15) delivered a major blow to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, ruling his contentious plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda as unlawful. This sensational ruling aligns with the lower court’s earlier judgment in June, which had found serious flaws in the Rwandan asylum system.

A Tidal Wave Against Sunak’s ‘Stop the Boats’ Plan

The high court’s unanimous decision is a severe setback to Sunak’s ambitious ‘stop the boats’ policy, aimed at curbing illegal immigration to the UK. The plan, first introduced in April 2022, has been marred by legal challenges, with the UK government failing to deport even a single person under this scheme.

The Court’s Damning Verdict

Lord Reed, the President of the court, underscored the “real risk” that asylum seekers could be returned from Rwanda to the very places they fled from, citing crucial evidence from the United Nations’ refugee agency, the UNHCR. This ruling effectively dismantles the government’s strategy and sends shockwaves through the UK’s political landscape.

A Costly and Public Failure for the UK Government

This judicial thunderbolt has cast a shadow over the UK’s controversial immigration policies. The BBC reports that the UK has shelled out a staggering £140 million ($177 million) to the Rwandan government for this ill-fated proposal, highlighting a costly and public failure for three successive prime ministers.

Rishi Sunak Reacts to the Ruling

Rishi Sunak, in a statement, acknowledged the ruling, stressing that the government will consider its next steps. He reiterated the principle of sending migrants to a third country is still “lawful.”

Rwanda Government’s Defiant Response

In a swift reaction to the ruling, the Rwanda government expressed its disagreement, insisting on its status as a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees. Rwanda’s commitment to its international obligations and recognition by UNHCR for exemplary refugee treatment was emphasized in their statement.

This sensational ruling from the UK’s Supreme Court marks a significant turning point in the contentious debate over asylum policies, with far-reaching implications for the UK’s immigration strategy and international relations.

  Rishi Sunak, Rwanda, UK Supreme Court, United Kingdom