The inaugural flight to send asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda was cancelled on Tuesday evening after a last-minute ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The flight, which was due to carry up to seven people, was grounded following an emergency application by lawyers representing one of the individuals.
The ECHR examined the case of a 54-year-old Iraqi asylum seeker who crossed the Channel in a boat. The court granted an urgent interim measure, stating that he should not be removed to Rwanda until three weeks after the final domestic decision in his judicial review proceedings. This ruling allowed lawyers for the other six individuals to make successful last-minute applications.
The decision is a significant blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel, who had promised to begin sending thousands of asylum seekers to Rwanda in May. Johnson had earlier threatened to withdraw the UK from the ECHR, accusing lawyers of aiding criminals exploiting refugees in the Channel.
Patel expressed disappointment with the legal challenge and said the policy would continue. “We will not be deterred from doing the right thing and delivering our plans to control our nation’s borders,” she said. “Preparation for the next flight begins now.” The Rwandan government confirmed it remains committed to the partnership.
The flight cost an estimated £500,000, and the UK government has already paid £120m as a downpayment on the Rwanda deal. Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticised the government, accusing ministers of pursuing an unworkable policy. The legality of the Rwanda policy will be tested in a full court hearing next month.
