– Announcement –
The planned deportation flight to Rwanda: an update on the controversial issue
February 24 has been set as the date the government plans to deport the Channel migrants to Rwanda. A plane carrying asylum seekers will leave for Rwanda's capital, Kigali.
In the ongoing debate about the deportation of asylum seekers who have arrived in the UK, an important development has emerged.
– Announcement –
February 24 has been set as the potential departure date for the first deportation flight to Rwanda, bound for the capital Kigali.
However, the success of this controversial operation depends on the support of Britain's top judges, who are currently reviewing the government's plan to send asylum seekers to the East African nation.
It is not the first time that such an expulsion flight has been planned. Sixteen months ago, a chartered Boeing 767 was loaded with potential refugees at Boscombe Down, Wilts, ready for take-off.
However, the flight was grounded at the last minute due to a ruling by a European judge that prohibited its departure.
This setback led to a bitter legal battle between campaigners, charities and the government, with the latter seeing the deportation policy as a crucial element of its strategy to reduce the number of migrants arriving in the UK through small boats crossing the Channel.
The final verdict on the deportation flight rests with the Supreme Court, which is expected to issue its decision in mid-December.
While the judges deliberate, officials have been instructed to prepare for a possible February 24 walkout.
The government's £140m deal with Rwanda outlines a plan to send some migrants to Kigali, where they will be given the chance to seek asylum instead of pursuing their case in the UK.
Advocates of the controversial scheme hope it will act as a deterrent and deter individuals from embarking on the perilous journey across the Dover Strait.
Growing unrest over the rise in Channel migrants has seen marches across the country, including in Skegness.
Skegness has suffered badly with the increasing number of Channel migrants staying in hotels. Local businesses have suffered with fewer tourists visiting the area due to the number of hotels being used to accommodate them and negative reports in the press.
Reads: Businessmen in Skegness were concerned about the mirgant problem
The seaside resort of Lincolnshire was once popular with holidaymakers from near and far including Cleethorpes, Boston, Lincoln, Manchester, Liverpool and London. But this year the Channel migrant crisis has hit local businesses hard in the pocket.
It is hoped that the latest attempt to expel migrants from the Channel will have a positive impact and act as a deterrent to more migrants crossing the dangerous waters to the UK. However, even though the Government is going ahead with the flights to Rwanda, many believe they will not happen.
The deportation plan has important political and humanitarian implications. This year, 26,168 migrants have arrived in the UK via 552 small boats, which is a 30% decrease compared to 37,603 arrivals during the same period last year.
The number of migrants successfully crossing the Channel reached a record high in 2022, with 45,756 people making the journey, up from 28,526 in 2021 and 8,404 in 2020. These statistics highlight the urgency of tackling the problem of illegal immigration and find effective solutions.
According to Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, the government's plan to reduce illegal immigration is showing signs of progress.
Jenrick stated that there has been a substantial reduction in the number of small boat crossings this year compared to the previous year, attributing this success to the plan implemented by the government a year ago. However, he acknowledged that there is still a long way to go and that much depends on the Supreme Court's decision on Rwandan politics.
