Mansfield and Warsop MP Ben Bradley has welcomed the expansion of the landmark Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda. The expansion to the deal was announced over the weekend by the Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Dr Vincent Biruta.
The newly expanded deal means that people who make dangerous, unnecessary and illegal journeys to the UK, such as by small boat, will be relocated to Rwanda, where they will be supported to rebuild their lives. This includes all categories of people who pass through safe countries and make illegal and dangerous journeys to the UK.
This announcement follows the unveiling of the new Illegal Immigration Bill which will put in place stronger asylum laws, providing certainty to those arriving illegally that they have no future in the UK. Under this bill, anyone who travels to the UK illegally will not be able to claim asylum and, in the case where they cannot be removed to their home country, will instead be flown to Rwanda.
This expansion to the Rwanda deal is uncapped and the government of Rwanda have confirmed they are able to take thousands of people eligible for relocation.
In December, the UK government secured an important victory in the High Court on the legality of the partnership and will continue to defend the policy against ongoing legal challenge, while working with Rwanda to ensure flights can operate as soon as there are no legal barriers.
Commenting, Ben Bradley stated:
‘The expansion to the Rwanda is extremely welcome and I thank the Home Secretary for securing this deal. People are fundamentally tired of seeing endless numbers of boats carrying illegal migrants coming to our country. This expansion to the Rwanda scheme will help demonstrate to people thinking of making the journey that they have no future in the UK.’
‘It is particularly welcome that this scheme in uncapped, meaning it will work in conjunction with the new Illegal Immigration Bill. This bill helps to strengthen our borders and sets up the legislative framework for the implementation of the Rwanda deal.’
‘Despite what some people may say, we know that Rwanda is a safe country for these people, with the EU helping to fund UN run refugee centres in the country. We also see that the UK is leading the way in deals such as this with other European countries such as Denmark exploring a similar deal with Rwanda.’
‘I look forward to seeing this deal and the new law in action and I know this news will be welcomed by the many constituents that email me every week on the issue of channel crossings.’
