British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda encountered its first parliamentary hurdle after the House of Lords backed a motion to delay ratification of a key treaty. While largely symbolic, the vote by 214 to 171 on Monday night signals potential hurdles for the legislation in the upper chamber, raising questions about its timeline and ultimate fate.
The Rwanda plan, designed to deter Channel crossings by small boats, has faced legal challenges. To overcome these, the government signed a treaty with Rwanda and introduced legislation to bar legal appeals against deportations. However, the Lords’ motion, proposed by former Attorney General Peter Goldsmith, marks the first time they’ve sought to halt a treaty’s ratification.
Sunak, hoping to showcase progress on his “stop the boats” pledge before the expected mid-year election, aims for the first flights to Rwanda in the coming months. The government secured the bill’s passage in the House of Commons last week, but deep divisions within the Conservative Party emerged.
Now, the focus shifts to the House of Lords, where scrutiny is expected to be intense. Debate on the bill is slated for late January, with crucial votes likely in March. The Lords may introduce amendments or, in extreme scenarios, delay the bill for a year, potentially pushing its passage beyond the election.
Sunak’s government faces a delicate balancing act. They must convince the Lords of the plan’s legality and effectiveness while addressing ethical concerns and navigating internal Tory dissent. Meanwhile, opposition parties and refugee advocates will utilize the Lords’ platform to amplify their criticism, potentially creating additional challenges for the legislation’s passage.
The coming weeks will be crucial for the Rwanda plan’s fate. The Lords’ actions could reshape the timeline, forcing Sunak to adapt his strategy or even reconsider the policy altogether. As legal and political pressures continue to mount, the future of this contentious immigration program remains uncertain.
