PM Vows to Push Through Deportation Flights Despite Supreme Court Ruling

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has expressed his frustration and vowed to bring in emergency laws to finally get deportation flights to Rwanda off the ground. The Prime Minister's plan to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda has faced several court challenges and was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. Sunak, however, faces significant backlash from Tory MPs and warnings that his leadership is at stake.

PM's Frustration and Pledge to Push Through

Addressing the press, Sunak shared his frustration and emphasized that he shares the frustrations of his colleagues and the public regarding the issue of illegal migration. He pledged to push through emergency laws to bypass the ruling by foreign human rights judges, stating that he will not allow a foreign court to block the deportation flights.

Plan Faces Legal Challenges

The government's plan to deport migrants to Rwanda has faced numerous legal challenges, costing at least £140 million. The first flight to Rwanda was scheduled for June 2022 but was cancelled after the European Court of Human Rights intervened. The UK's five most senior judges unanimously ruled that the plan risked sending migrants back to dangerous home countries, prompting Sunak to seek a new treaty with Rwanda and to guarantee settled status for all deported asylum seekers.

Backlash from Tory MPs

Sunak is facing a major assault from right-wing Tories, with demands for emergency legislation to overrule the European Court of Human Rights and the Human Rights Act. Critics argue that effective immigration control cannot be achieved within the current legal framework and that legislation is necessary to curb illegal migration. Some Tory MPs have even suggested ignoring the laws and immediately deporting migrants upon arrival in the UK.

Supreme Court Ruling and Labour's Criticism

The Supreme Court ruled that the Rwanda deportation plan breached the European Convention on Human Rights and various United Nations treaties. Lord Reed, the President of the Supreme Court, cited concerns about Rwanda's human rights record and media freedom. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticized the PM, stating that the central pillar of his government has crumbled beneath him.

New Treaty and Settled Status

Despite the Supreme Court ruling, the PM highlighted the court's support for the principle of sending illegal migrants to a third country. UK officials are working on a strengthened treaty with Rwanda to ensure settled status for all asylum seekers deported there. The aim is to address concerns about the risk of migrants being sent back to their home countries and to address human rights concerns.