Peers overwhelmingly reject PM’s controversial deportation scheme

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ambitious Rwanda deportation plan has hit a roadblock as peers in the House of Lords delivered a resounding blow by voting to delay the ratification of a treaty with the East African nation. The defeat, a first for Sunak’s flagship policy, comes on the heels of the PM’s impassioned plea to the upper chamber not to derail his plans just days before the upcoming general election.

Labour peer Lord Goldsmith spearheaded the opposition, proposing a motion insisting that Parliament should withhold ratification until ministers can demonstrate the safety of the proposed deportation to Rwanda. The legally-binding treaty, agreed upon by the Government in December, was intended to address concerns raised by the Supreme Court regarding the potential risk to asylum seekers transferred to Rwanda.

However, the Lords International Agreements Committee, chaired by Lord Goldsmith, criticized the safeguards outlined by the government, deeming them “incomplete.” During the debate, Lord Goldsmith highlighted at least 10 areas where additional legal and practical measures are required for the treaty’s effective implementation.

“We are not saying the treaty should never be ratified, but we are saying that Parliament should have the opportunity to scrutinize the treaty and its implementing measures in full before it makes a judgment about whether Rwanda is safe,” Lord Goldsmith emphasized.

Liberal Democrats’ leader in the House of Lords, Dick Newby, commented on the defeat, stating, “Tonight has delivered yet another blow to Rishi Sunak and his failing Rwanda scheme. From day one, this policy has been a totally unworkable waste of time and money. Yet the Conservatives are obsessed with pushing it forward, no matter what evidence arises to the contrary. The Government should now accept reality and move on from this white elephant of a policy.”

Responding to the criticism, Home Office minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom defended the Rwanda partnership, asserting that it aimed to enhance the UK’s efforts to tackle illegal migration, which he claimed is costly to the British taxpayer and endangers the lives of those making perilous journeys.

The vote in the House of Lords marks the initial test of Sunak’s deportation plan, setting the stage for a crucial debate next week on the Rwanda Bill itself. As the political landscape shifts, the fate of Sunak’s controversial policy hangs in the balance, with political adversaries seizing the opportunity to challenge its feasibility and efficacy.

Author : Atif Syed