UK Home Secretary James Cleverly has arrived in Rwanda this morning to sign a fresh deportation deal aimed at finally getting illegal migrant flights off the ground. The move comes after the Supreme Court struck down the original plan last month. Cleverly's visit is seen as a crucial step in satisfying British courts and addressing concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers in Rwanda.

New Treaty to Address Concerns and Strengthen Relationship

The new deportation deal, delayed by negotiations over Britain's involvement in the Rwandan asylum and legal system, is expected to address concerns about the potential mistreatment of genuine asylum seekers. It may also include the placement of British lawyers in Rwandan courts, further strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Flights Expected to Take Off Before General Election

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick is confident that flights to Rwanda will take off before the upcoming general election. He stated that the treaty, along with emergency legislation that will be introduced in the UK, will help close loopholes and prevent spurious claims from delaying deportation. The plan is to have the legislation passed before the Christmas break, with the option of MPs sitting over the festive period if necessary.

Cleverly Deserves Credit for the New Plan

Government sources have praised Home Secretary James Cleverly for his efforts in building relationships during his time as Foreign Secretary, which contributed to the successful negotiation of the new deportation deal. However, the government still needs to pass emergency legislation in the UK to make the plan work.

Additional Funding to Support the Scheme

The UK government plans to provide an additional £15 million to Rwanda on top of the £140 million already allocated to support the deportation scheme. Downing Street believes that this investment is a better use of funds compared to the daily cost of housing small boat arrivals in hotels, which amounts to £8 million.

Overall, the signing of the migration treaty in Rwanda marks a significant step forward in the UK's efforts to address illegal migration and strengthen its relationship with the country. The success of this plan hinges on the passage of emergency legislation in the UK Parliament, which the government hopes to achieve before the Christmas break.