UK
Tory Rwanda plan is driven by desperation

The Guardian
Sun, 5 May 2024 


People protest against the Rwanda deportation bill outside Downing Street on 1 May. Photograph: Carl Court/Getty Images

Given that only a small percentage of asylum seekers are likely to be deported to Rwanda (Home Office to detain asylum seekers across UK in shock Rwanda operation, 28 April), we might expect that those initially chosen will be law breakers, or economic migrants from peaceful countries.

In reality, the government appears to be so desperate to get flights to Rwanda off the ground before a general election that it is willing to send any easy targets it can, including those who were children when they fled from war.

Two of our friends who left their country as children are among those who have just received letters calling them to report to immigration services, referring to a “third country process”. These young men left a region at war, where acts of genocide were occurring and male family members had already disappeared. They claimed asylum almost two years ago. Since then, they have learned English, volunteered in our community and become integrated here.

The UK used to be a place of refuge for people fleeing from war and persecution. Now, the government appears determined to trade people, paying Rwanda to remove them.

Saying that this scheme is a “deterrent” ignores the reality that asylum seekers crossing the Channel are willing to accept risks. Those we have asked have said they would still have come knowing that there was a small risk of being sent to Rwanda. They would just hope it did not happen to them. We urge the next government to secure safe routes for those seeking asylum from war.
Jamie Hawker and Debbie Hawker
Long Eaton, Derbyshire