Today, the UK Court of Appeal ruled that the Government's plan to deport people seeking asylum to Rwanda is unlawful.
In a two-to-one decision, the Court found that the Home Office could not guarantee the safety of people sent to Rwanda under the scheme, citing a history of human rights abuses toward refugees in the country.
The Court of Appeal's decision follows last night's defeat in the House of Lords for the Government's Illegal Migration Bill, which also proposes sending people seeking asylum to Rwanda. Peers added a number of amendments to the Bill requiring the Government to comply with international law and the European Convention of Human Rights, which prevent people seeking asylum from being removed to countries other than their home nation.
Best for Britain has been campaigning against the Government's anti-asylum legislation since it was unveiled. Learn more about our work here.
Responding to today's ruling, Best for Britain Chief Executive Naomi Smith said,
“On the same day that the Government is defending a real-terms pay cut for NHS workers, it would be outrageous for them to appeal this decision and spend more money on a cruel and unworkable scheme which has already cost the taxpayer millions and which has been no deterrent.
“This ruling must be the end of the Rwanda plan and the so-called Illegal Migration Bill. The Government must reopen safe routes as the only way to address dangerous channel crossings and help people fleeing death, torture and persecution."