Rwanda Partnership Legal Compatibility 2022-10-18
2022-10-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK government's migration partnership with Rwanda is under scrutiny regarding its compatibility with domestic law and the 1951 refugee convention.
I am concerned about the compatibility of the migration and economic development partnership with Rwanda with (a) domestic law and (b) the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees. Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on this issue.
The Secretary of State works closely, and has regular discussions, with the Home Secretary and other members of the Cabinet on tackling illegal migration. The migration and economic development partnership is an essential part of our strategy to improve the fairness and efficacy of the UK's immigration system.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific compatibility issues were not addressed, only general benefits of the programme mentioned
General Benefits Statement
Focus On Other Matters
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The United Nations refugee convention prohibits refoulement, and UK Government officials have raised concerns about Rwanda's human rights record.
I welcome the Minister to his place. The UN convention prohibits refoulement. Given that UK officials warn about Rwanda's poor human rights record, how can he be confident the plan is compatible with the convention?
Nothing in the UN convention prevents people from being transferred to a safe country. Rwanda is a safe country, it is a signatory to the convention, praised by the UN for its work on refugees and is a good partner.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific concerns about human rights were not addressed
Asserting Safety
Praising Rwanda
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is zero transparency regarding the £120 million payment to Rwanda, and concerns about refugee protections are raised by international agencies.
I returned from Rwanda where I saw a refurbished orphanage called Hopeless House. With zero transparency on the £120 million payment and warnings that this policy undermines protection for refugees, is the Justice Secretary alarmed?
The situation in the channel is critical. We need to stop illegal migration, ensuring a safe route for those transferred. The policy complies with legal positions and no court has deemed it unlawful.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific concerns about transparency and UNHCR warnings were not addressed
Changing Subject
Asserting Legality
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Under the government's plans, people could receive as little as seven days' notice of deportation and face challenges in seeking legal advice.
People could be given as little as seven days' notice of deportation, insufficient for them to seek legal advice. Does the Minister agree with the Law Society that this undermines fair processing?
Access to legal advice is extremely important, which is why 30 minutes of telephone legal advice and legal aid are available to asylum claimants in this country.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific concerns about seven days' notice were not addressed
General Benefits Statement
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The government's policy faces criticism from Refugee Action about stepping back from UK's international responsibilities on human rights.
Does the Minister agree that stepping away from UK's obligations undermines protection for those at risk of persecution, as stated by Refugee Action?
Everything we are doing complies with the UN convention on refugees, UK law, and European convention on human rights. I suggest Scottish National party Members look at the border between the UK and France for viable alternatives.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific concerns about stepping back from obligations were not addressed
Changing Subject
Suggestion
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Home Secretary's criticism of judges for mission creep is raised, particularly regarding their role in upholding international laws.
How can the Minister justify the Home Secretary's criticism of Strasbourg judges for interpreting and upholding laws created by UK Governments?
The hon. Gentleman should have more faith in our judges. Everything we are doing complies with conventions on refugees, human rights, and national law. The SNP has not provided viable alternatives.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific concerns about judicial interpretation were not addressed
Changing Subject
Criticism Of Opposition
Response accuracy