Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, faced another setback today as the Supreme Court declared deportation flights to Rwanda to be unlawful. In a unanimous decision, the court determined that the East African nation is not a safe destination for resettling illegal migrants, as there is a risk they could be sent back to their home countries. This ruling deals a significant blow to Sunak's mission to halt illegal immigration, particularly in light of the upcoming general election next year.

Supreme Court Ruling Deems Rwanda Deportation Flights Unlawful

According to a summary of the ruling by Lord Reed, the President of the Supreme Court, all five justices agreed with the Court of Appeal's conclusion that the Rwanda deportation scheme is unlawful. The court stated that the evidence presented supported this decision. The defeat in court is a major setback for Sunak's efforts to curb illegal immigration, with implications for the government's broader asylum policies.

Rwandan Government Responds to Ruling

A spokesperson for the Rwandan government responded to the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizing that it is ultimately a decision for the UK's judicial system. However, the Rwandan government disagreed with the ruling, asserting that Rwanda is a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees. They highlighted the collaborative efforts between Rwanda and the UK to integrate relocated asylum seekers into Rwandan society.

Call for Reevaluation of Asylum Policies

Katy Chakrabortty, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Oxfam GB, welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling and called on the government to reassess its asylum policies. Chakrabortty described the deportation scheme as inhumane and argued that it punished those fleeing conflict and persecution. The government now faces pressure to reconsider its approach to asylum seekers.

Plan B Contingencies and Resignation Criticisms

Amidst the ruling, Downing Street insisted that they have contingency plans for various scenarios related to the deportation flights. This statement came after Home Secretary Suella Braverman criticized the Prime Minister for lacking a credible Plan B in her resignation letter. Braverman warned that if the government lost in the Supreme Court, it would be a significant setback after a year of effort and an Act of Parliament.

Tory Party Divisions and European Court of Human Rights

The Supreme Court ruling is likely to fuel calls within the Conservative Party to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights. Allies of Suella Braverman, who resigned over the lack of a credible Plan B, may intensify their campaign for the UK to leave the court, exacerbating the internal divisions within the party.

Rwanda Deportation Plan's Future

The government has already paid £140 million to Rwanda for the resettlement of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel. Despite the ruling of unlawfulness, ministers argue that it does not automatically invalidate the deportation scheme. However, the Supreme Court's decision is expected to amplify demands within the Tory party for the UK to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights.