The UK Parliament has approved a contentious bill proposed by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, enabling the deportation of illegal migrants who arrive in Britain by boat to Rwanda.
This decision was reached early Tuesday, following a two-month delay in Parliament. The House of Lords, after acknowledging the authority of the elected House of Commons, withdrew its proposed amendments, paving the way for the bill’s enactment into law.
Earlier in the day, Sunak urged the Lords to cease their opposition to the proposal, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the influx of migrants crossing the English Channel.
Prior to this decision of the UK Parliament, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement on Monday, April 22, 2024: “For almost two years, our opponents have used every trick in the book to block flights and keep the boats coming. But enough is enough. No more prevarication. No more delay. Parliament will sit tonight and vote, no matter how late it goes.”
This legislative deadlock marks another setback for a plan that has faced legal challenges and criticism from human rights activists, who argue its unlawfulness and cruelty.
Last month, Sunak received support from some European politicians, including Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, who praised the measures as ‘harsh but fair’. French former presidential candidate Eric Zemmour also commended Sunak for his stance.
However, migrant advocates remain steadfast in their opposition to the bill, vowing to continue their fight against it.
Sunak emphasized the government’s intention to deport some individuals who enter the UK illegally to Rwanda, aiming to deter migrants from embarking on dangerous journeys in inflatable boats with hopes of claiming asylum upon arrival in Britain.
