The government’s first flight taking asylum seekers to Rwanda can go ahead on Tuesday, appeal court judges say. The flight was opposed by Detention Action and the PCS union, but the court said it was in the “public interest” to carry out the policy.
The government has introduced a scheme to give asylum seekers support and accommodation in Rwanda while their applications are being considered, and offer them five years of education and support if they are successful.
A court ruled that there was no error in the High Court judge’s decision to allow the flight to go ahead, and that the government’s policy offers “new opportunities” for those relocated to Rwanda.
Some of those who enter the UK illegally will be flown to Rwanda to ask for asylum there under the scheme. Campaigners were attempting to halt the flight until a full hearing on the policy’s legality is held next month.
The ruling has been described as “disappointing” by Detention Action and the PCS union, which represents certain Border Force employees and was one of the organisations that launched the case.
On Tuesday evening, 11 people were set to fly to the landlocked east African country, according to the court. Only eight people are expected to fly, according to the charity Care4Calais, which was one of those appealing the High Court judgement.
