Chancellor Rishi Sunak hailed the passage of the Rwanda Bill as a transformative moment in global migration dynamics.
The legislation passed after protracted parliamentary discussions, with the House of Lords ultimately acquiescing to the House of Commons’ rejection of amendments. Sunak emphasized the bill’s purpose to curb illegal immigration, disrupt human trafficking rings, and assert parliamentary supremacy over migration matters.
Home Secretary James Cleverly indicated the Rwanda Safety Bill will swiftly become law and flights to Rwanda will commence within 10-12 weeks. The government contends that this crucial legislation will impede illegal immigrants from exploiting asylum claims and bolster parliamentary authority over rulings by European courts.
Lord Anderson of Ipswich, who spearheaded the final amendment, eventually withdrew his proposal, recognizing the primacy of the elected House. He expressed concerns about the bill’s absence of parliamentary oversight regarding Rwanda’s safety as a destination country.
