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UK-Rwanda Partnership
06 December 2023
Lead MP
James Cleverly
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ImmigrationAsylum & RefugeesTaxation
Other Contributors: 48
At a Glance
James Cleverly raised concerns about uk-rwanda partnership in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The minister announced the UK's new legally binding international treaty with Rwanda, designed to address concerns raised by the Supreme Court regarding the safety and legality of relocating illegal migrants from the UK to Rwanda for asylum processing. The agreement involves a strengthened Rwandan asylum system and an independent monitoring committee to ensure compliance with international law. Additionally, emergency legislation, 'Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill,' will be introduced to override potential legal challenges by courts, asserting that Rwanda is safe under all relevant laws and conventions, thereby facilitating the relocation process.
Question
The MP's question or point. Include their concern, local impact, or criticism. 2-4 sentences.
Minister reply
The minister's response to THIS specific MP. Include commitments, rebuttals, details. 2-4 sentences.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
I thank the Home Secretary for advance sight of the statement. There is total chaos in the Government and the Conservative party... What kind of party have they become? And all of this for what? For a scheme that will likely cover less than 1% of the people who arrive in this country to claim asylum and will cost hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money...
Minister reply
The calls for more from the right hon. Lady’s own Back Benchers are well placed... We will pursue this legislation, which supports a treaty that sees Rwanda strengthening its institutions and addressing some of the world’s most intractable challenges, and we support it as it is supporting us.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement... Can he give us details of the assessments that have been made as to whether the disapplication of the Human Rights Act and other laws is robust, will stand up to the legal challenges and, ultimately, will ensure the delivery and the implementation of this policy to curb illegal migration?
Minister reply
The UK takes its international obligations incredibly seriously... We should have some more self-confidence in those systems and use our experience to help capacity building in partner countries such as Rwanda.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
When the permanent secretary came before the Home Affairs Select Committee last week... Can the Home Secretary confirm today how much additional money will be provided to Rwanda in the light of the changes in the treaty, and whether he will update Parliament more often than once a year? If, for whatever reason, he is not able to attend, will the Home Secretary attend in his place?
Minister reply
Let me make it absolutely clear: we remain committed to our promise to publish the costs of the scheme on an annual basis... We will update the House in the way we have committed to and I have no doubt that the Immigration Minister will come before the right hon. Lady’s Committee as promised.
Question
The Prime Minister said that he would not allow a foreign court to block his Rwanda plans... So can my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary explain why article 11(4)(a) of the treaty expressly requires Rwanda to enable migrants to make claims to that European Court?
Minister reply
Throughout this plan, we have made it clear that we will remain in conformity with international law... We are determined to do the right thing to deter the evil people smugglers, the slave traders, and those people who would seek to abuse and take advantage of vulnerable people...
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Question
Critiques the Home Secretary for claiming Rwanda is safe when it contradicts his own treaty. Asks if human rights are universal or not, and questions the necessity of such legislation given its illiberal nature.
Minister reply
Acknowledges criticism but states that he is committed to human rights and international law, while also highlighting the democratic process allowing Members to vote on this Bill.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Question
Asks if provisions in the Bill are sufficient to resist individual challenges from those who might be sent to Rwanda, specifically about disapplication of rule 39.
Minister reply
Confirms that Ministers have the right to decide on responses to a rule 39 application and emphasises that people should seek legal routes rather than relying on smugglers.
Question
Points out human rights issues in Rwanda according to US State Department reports, questioning how the Home Secretary can judge it safe.
Minister reply
Refers to improvements made by Rwanda and UNHCR's actions post-Supreme Court decision, asserting that Rwanda respects refugees' rights.
Question
Congratulates the Home Secretary for addressing illegal immigration, emphasising the moral imperative to break people smuggling business models.
Minister reply
Agrees and emphasises that addressing illegal migration is crucial to protect those exploited by smugglers.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Asks about the potential impact on trade and co-operation agreements due to changes in judicial cooperation with the ECHR.
Minister reply
States that this legislation does not change our relationship with the ECHR.
Question
Argues that most asylum seekers are young men seeking economic opportunities rather than fleeing persecution.
Minister reply
Acknowledges generosity towards refugees but emphasises breaking people smuggling business models to protect vulnerable individuals.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Questions the Home Secretary's legal constraints imposed by President Kagame of Rwanda.
Minister reply
Clarifies that speculation about being constrained is inaccurate, and both parties work within international law boundaries.
Richard Graham
Con
Question
Over the past few years, we have taken over half a million refugees from different parts of the world—women, children and others—from countries in extreme difficulties. Does my right hon. Friend agree that if we can stop people being trafficked across the channel in small boats, we may well be able to help more of those who are genuinely in the most danger?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is so important for us to break the trade in human misery being perpetrated by the people smugglers. This is a generous country. We do not want the people smugglers to abuse and erode that generosity. That is why getting this right and working with Rwanda is so important, and why I am proud of how hard the Rwandans have worked to ensure that their institutions are robust, fair and impartial.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Question
I want to know how much this shambles has cost the British taxpayer so far and how much it will continue to cost us. The treaty means that we would be obliged to support someone in Rwanda for up to five years. What estimate has the Home Secretary made, under the terms of the treaty, of how much it will cost to support just one person for the full five years?
Minister reply
Again, I find this rather strange. As the House knows, I have already answered that in saying that it will be reported in accordance with the commitments that have already been made. However, I do think it is interesting how uncomfortable Opposition Members are with our having a partnership with an African country rather than an aid relationship.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
The UK-Rwanda partnership is a long-standing one. I first went to the country 15 years ago and have returned many times since, including when I was serving as Africa Minister. How many of the Opposition Members who are railing against the deal or the judges who have criticised the deal have been to the now Commonwealth country of Rwanda?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend asks an incredibly important question. I have recently returned from Rwanda. I have had extensive dealings with the Rwandan Government—a Commonwealth partner, as she said. It is a country whose political leadership in many, perhaps most, cases have themselves been refugees. They have huge pride in their country and a plan to see it genuinely step up and be a serious player on the world stage.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
I am afraid that I have heard nothing from the Home Secretary today that persuades me that the Rwanda policy is anything other than immoral, expensive and unworkable. Earlier today, his predecessor told the House that she believed that if the policy did not work, the Conservative party would face “electoral oblivion”. I wonder whether the Home Secretary accepts that it could be facing that situation because the policy is unworkable.
Minister reply
Obviously, my plan is to make this work.
David Jones
Con
Question
My right hon. Friend is to be congratulated on his commendable efforts to address a problem that is a major source of concern to all our constituents by concluding the treaty with Rwanda and publishing the Bill today. The Bill, as he will anticipate, will be closely scrutinised by colleagues, and I am sure he will be happy to answer questions, but could he assist me with one point? Clause 4(1)(b) specifically allows a court to consider an appeal on the grounds that…Rwanda is not a safe country for the person in question based on that individual’s particular circumstances. Can my right hon. Friend say why that clause was inserted in the Bill, and can he assure the House that it does not in any sense frustrate the Bill’s intent?
Minister reply
I can give my right hon. Friend the reassurance that we do not envisage that this will frustrate the Bill’s intent. It is important that claimants do have recourse, if only for factual errors.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
Can the Home Secretary confirm that he went to Rwanda intending to get a treaty that went much further than he has been allowed to go, and that what stopped him was that the Rwandan Government refused to be party to a treaty that did not recognise international law and conventions? What does it say about taking back control when Rwanda is dictating his immigration policy?
Minister reply
The hon. Member’s question started with an error, and got worse from that point onwards. The simple fact of the matter is that we have been working with the Rwandans. They do not dictate to us, and we do not dictate to them. We negotiate in good faith, as mature democracies tend to do.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
I thank the Home Secretary for his efforts to tackle a problem that is of great concern to my constituents in Sleaford and North Hykeham, and I welcome the assertion of parliamentary sovereignty because many of my constituents have questioned how courts can tell us what to do. However, there is a provision, as he says, for individual claims. Can he tell me in what circumstances such an individual claim could expect to be successful, and how long that and the appeal process would be expected to take?
Minister reply
The provision for individual claims is nothing to do with the safety of Rwanda, and that is the important distinction that needs to be made. Of course, there do need to be provisions for appeals—that is a normal part of any judicial or legal process—but the point is that in this Bill we are taking a huge step forward in our ability to work with Rwanda on refugee assessment, administration and ultimate relocation.
Question
The ECHR is fundamental to the operation of our Senedd in Wales. Has the Home Secretary taken full account of the danger that his proposals may deal a fatal blow to devolution as it is at present?
Minister reply
We have no intention of leaving the ECHR, so the hon. Member’s concerns are unwarranted.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Question
The Home Secretary has delivered his deal with his typical efficiency and transparency, and that should be welcomed, but one key aspect of immigration policy is the fast processing of claims in this country. Will he outline the progress the Government have made in that regard, and can he tell me and the House how it goes hand in hand with the Rwanda policy?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that this is part of a plan that has a number of elements. The speedy processing of asylum claims here in the UK is an important part of that.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
The Home Secretary has twice refused to answer the question of whether the Immigration Minister has resigned—but he has, hasn’t he? Has he resigned because he thinks that this policy does not stand an earthly chance of working, or has he resigned because he is embarrassed that a British Government would actually put Ministers above the law? In other words, has he resigned because he thinks this policy is crazy or because he does not think it is crazy enough?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman always has an amusing turn of phrase, but his question is not one for me.
Tim Loughton
Con
Question
I echo the Home Secretary’s praise of the patience shown by Rwanda, whose integrity has been severely impugned by those who oppose the treaty. The Strasbourg Court recently said that it was going to reform rule 39 indications, acknowledging their weaknesses. There would not be anonymous judges giving rulings, they would only be used in extremis and the Government would be allowed to put their case to weigh up the evidence. Rule 39 indications did not form part of the original European convention on human rights in any case, so how confident is my right hon. Friend that challenges to Rwandan deportations will not now fall foul of rule 39 interim orders under the terms of the new treaty?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point, which proves that, when the UK makes our case in international institutions such as the ECHR and others, we are listened to, our views are respected and changes are made.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
The reality is that the Government are making a mockery of international law and playing with people’s lives. The Home Secretary referenced his plans to tackle illegal migration, but his plans for legal immigration are just as draconian. Doubling the minimum income requirement for family visas to £38,700, knowing full well that hundreds of thousands of families will be torn apart, is nothing less than calculated, vindictive and punitive. Is the Home Secretary really prepared to tear up international law and tear families apart just so that he can throw some red meat to his hard-right Tory Back Benchers?
Minister reply
We are not breaking international law.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
What is the Government's position on ensuring that asylum seekers are removed to Rwanda as quickly as possible?
Minister reply
The intention of the Government is to operationalise this proposal as swiftly as feasible. The emphasis is on deterring desperate individuals from undertaking perilous journeys across the English Channel by informing them that they will be relocated to Rwanda for processing.
Question
How does the Home Secretary reconcile the statement on the Bill with international law?
Minister reply
The Government is certain of its compliance with international law despite reservations expressed in the Bill's preface regarding compatibility with Convention rights.
Question
What are the procedures for appeals and logistics concerning flights to Rwanda?
Minister reply
Details on operational procedures will not be disclosed at this juncture, but it is confirmed that measures are being considered in line with international law.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Is the Attorney General satisfied that the Rwanda treaty complies with international law?
Minister reply
The Government confirms adherence to international law based on the advice of the Attorney General, although this is for internal use only.
Question
Will the legislation enable the UK government to determine immigration policy free from judicial challenges?
Minister reply
The Government asserts that its role is to establish immigration policies reflecting public opinion, not external or domestic judicial decisions.
Ashley Dalton
Lab
West Lancashire
Question
Has the Immigration Minister resigned over this Bill and was it known to the Home Secretary?
Minister reply
The resignation has been confirmed. The focus remains on the substance of the Bill rather than individual personnel matters.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Question
If appeals can delay flights to Rwanda, what is the purpose of the legislation?
Minister reply
An appeal process is a standard legal requirement. The Bill aims to ensure UK immigration policy decisions are made by elected officials rather than judicial bodies.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
How does the Home Secretary reconcile Rwanda's safety as a destination with its refugee-producing conditions?
Minister reply
The reciprocal agreement is intended for exceptional circumstances, and refugees from Rwanda will be accepted in the UK if they cannot remain there.
Question
Is it necessary to review human rights laws given today's migration challenges?
Minister reply
Modern circumstances necessitate frameworks that address contemporary issues, such as industrial-scale illegal migration facilitated by smugglers.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Why is there a need to override judicial powers in the Bill if Rwanda is deemed safe?
Minister reply
The Supreme Court judgment highlights specific areas addressed by the treaty, indicating that Rwanda's institutions and commitment to non-refoulement make it suitable.
Question
Will there be opportunities for amendments to improve the Bill?
Minister reply
The Bill will go through parliamentary procedures, allowing hon. Members to propose amendments to enhance its effectiveness.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Will costs associated with sending asylum seekers to Rwanda be disclosed before voting?
Minister reply
Annual figures will be released, but the Government is committed to spending necessary funds to combat illegal migration and smuggling activities.
Christchurch
Question
Will my right hon Friend pay tribute to the Immigration Minister, who has apparently just resigned, and thank him for all the hard work he has put into trying to resolve these issues over several years, including working on this Bill? Does my right hon Friend feel that the Government will be inhibited in their implementing of the Bill by the absence of the Immigration Minister?
Minister reply
I have said from this Dispatch Box and in a number of other locations how much I value the work of the Immigration Minister. He has done a huge amount of work on this and in a number of other areas, and the work he has done to drive down small boat arrivals by a third has been absolutely instrumental. I have no doubt that the whole Government will work to ensure that this legislation achieves what I think we should all want to achieve, which is to break the business model of the people smugglers and to prevent people from being abused by them in an attempt to come and live in the UK.
Question
From the point of view of those of us who believe in the rule of law, the separation of powers and the universality of human rights, there are at least three extraordinary things about what the Home Secretary has said this evening. First, he says that he does not have confidence in the domestic courts of the United Kingdom because they cannot always be relied upon to do what he wants them to do. Secondly, he says that he will replace the jurisdiction of the domestic courts of the United Kingdom with ministerial fiat in relation to interim measures passed by a court presiding over a treaty to which we are fully signatories. Thirdly, as Jonathan Sumption has said, it is extraordinary for the law to say that the facts are other than they are, and then to oust the jurisdiction of the courts from determining whether that is the case. It is not just extraordinary; it is also not compliant with article 6, and of course the European convention on human rights is part of our domestic law by virtue of the Human Rights Act, which the Home Secretary is not repealing.
Minister reply
What I am absolutely proud of is the fact that we are seeking to break the business model of the people smugglers. We recognise that as the threat from organised criminality and the tactics of people who prey on the weak and vulnerable and put their lives at risk evolve, so our response has to evolve. This is an international problem, and we are resolving it through international relationships.
Question
I have been listening carefully to the questions from Opposition Members, and there have been a good many references to human rights, but surely the ultimate human right is the right to life. Does the Home Secretary agree that once this legislation is passed and comes into effect, fewer people will go to a watery grave in the English channel?
Minister reply
My right hon Friend has made a fundamental point. Every story I read of people who have drowned in the channel or the Mediterranean because their desire for a better life has been manipulated by criminals is heartbreaking as I am sure it is for every Member of the House, and we are duty-bound to do something about it.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Question
The deputy chair of the Conservative Party has said that the Government should just ignore the law and send people back anyway. Does the Home Secretary agree with the deputy chair of his party, and if he does, can he tell us when the Conservative party became the party that ripped up laws and supported disorder?
Minister reply
We absolutely abide by international law.
Question
Immigration is a complex, long-standing and developing challenge. I have listened carefully to the concerns, obstacles and different perspectives raised this evening through questions, and I have also noticed the confidence with which my right hon Friend has answered many of those questions. May I ask him to look ahead and say when he expects to be able to return to the House and declare the Bill a success?
Minister reply
The timing of the passage of any Bill is in the hands of the two Chambers of this Parliament. We are not in control of the total timescale, but of course we are determined to move quickly.
Question
I am opposed to the entirety of the Bill on policy grounds, but as a Northern Ireland MP I have a particular duty to highlight the importance of the Human Rights Act to the Good Friday agreement especially in respect of policing and justice reform; to article 2 of the Windsor framework; and to the policing and justice chapter of the EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement. May I ask the Home Secretary what steps his Department has taken to screen this policy and this Bill against all three of those?
Minister reply
We are absolutely committed to maintaining peace in Northern Ireland. It is something that many people have spent their whole political lives pursuing and protecting.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Question
Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister Biruta has said tonight: “Without lawful behaviour by the UK, Rwanda would not be able to continue with the Migration and Economic Development Partnership.” Without lawful behaviour, Home Secretary? It is being reported in the press that the Rwandan Government are getting cold feet because this deal is too toxic for them. Is that the case?
Minister reply
No.
Question
The Home Secretary wants us to take great comfort from the fact that the treaty with Rwanda will be binding in international law. Then, in the next page of his statement, he assures us that next week he will bring in legislation that will, in certain circumstances, make it a legal requirement for British courts to act contrary to that same international law. How can he expect Rwanda to comply with its treaty obligations when his Government will pick and choose what treaties they comply with and what treaties they tear up?
Minister reply
We will absolutely remain in compliance with international law.
Question
The Home Secretary has used some choice language in this place, and in recent times he associated a particular favourite word of his to his own Government’s Rwanda policy. What specific changes have been made for him to become such a robust defender of it now?
Minister reply
I am not quite sure what the point of that question was, Mr Deputy Speaker. If the hon Gentleman really wishes for me to do so, I can clarify the points I made that he refers to, but I suspect that he does not really want me to.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
In her personal statement this afternoon, the former Home Secretary, the right hon and learned Member for Fareham said that she had been unable to obtain the support of other Government Departments for her preferred method of dealing with applicants for asylum. She said: “we must build Nightingale-style detention facilities to deliver the necessary capacity… The only way to do this…is with the support of the Ministry of Defence.” Russia is on manoeuvres, more than 20,000 British troops are being deployed across northern Europe next year, and the Conservative Government are seeking to shrink the Army to 73,000. Does the Home Secretary, who was the Foreign Secretary last month, think that our armed forces should be training for war or for kettling asylum seekers into camps?
Minister reply
Again, I am not at all sure how that question has anything to do with the proposals that we have put forward, but the hon Gentleman will know that this party of Government will always support strong defence of this nation, unlike the Opposition parties.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Question
It is clear to the country that the Government are riven with division and chaos on this issue. Some still think that these plans are batshit, and some think that they do not go far enough, including the Immigration Minister, who has resigned.
Minister reply
It will be the Immigration Minister.
Shadow Comment
Yvette Cooper
Shadow Comment
The shadow criticises the government's chaotic approach to immigration policy, highlighting the lack of leadership within the Conservative Party. She questions the validity and effectiveness of the new treaty with Rwanda, noting that previous similar attempts have failed or been partially revoked due to legal challenges. The Labour representative also raises concerns about the cost implications, estimating significant taxpayer funding for a scheme expected to cover less than 1% of asylum seekers arriving in the UK.
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