In a dramatic legal showdown, the High Court has grounded a controversial flight scheduled to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, delivering a significant blow to the government's flagship immigration policy.
The last-minute injunction was granted late on Tuesday night, just hours before the Boeing 767 was due to take off from a Ministry of Defence airfield. The decision throws the future of Home Secretary Priti Patel's £120 million deal with Rwanda into immediate uncertainty.
A Major Setback for the Home Office
This ruling represents a major setback for the Home Office, which had aggressively pursued the policy as a central deterrent to migrants attempting the perilous Channel crossing. The court found that there were 'serious triable issues' regarding the legality and fairness of the scheme that warranted a full judicial review.
Charities and human rights groups, including Care4Calais and Detention Action, brought the legal challenge. They argued that the policy is unlawful and that the government's rushed procedures failed to properly consider individual asylum claims.
What Happens Next?
The court has scheduled a full hearing to examine the policy's legality for next month. Until then, the policy is effectively frozen. This means:
- No further deportation flights to Rwanda can proceed.
- The fate of the first group of asylum seekers selected for removal remains in limbo.
- The government must prepare its defence for a comprehensive legal battle.
A government spokesperson expressed disappointment at the ruling but confirmed they would comply and present their case at the full hearing.
This ongoing legal battle ensures that the debate over the UK's approach to asylum and immigration will remain at the forefront of political discourse for weeks to come.
