Sunak Vows UK-Rwanda Asylum Flights Within 12 Weeks Despite Opposition
The British government is set to initiate the controversial policy of transporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirming that the first flight is scheduled to depart within 10-12 weeks. The move is part of a broader strategy aimed at curbing illegal migration and disrupting the operations of criminal smuggling networks. Despite facing opposition from the Labour Party, Sunak is committed to pushing through the necessary legislation, dubbed the Safety of Rwanda Bill, and has prepared to facilitate late-night parliamentary sessions to ensure its passage.
The Prime Minister has detailed the logistical efforts that have gone into the plan, with an airfield on standby, commercial charter planes booked, and a team of 500 trained personnel ready to escort individuals to Rwanda. The policy has been described as a crucial measure to deter illegal crossings and save lives by breaking the business model of smuggling gangs. To support the enforcement of this policy, the government has increased detention spaces to 2,200 and assembled a task force of 200 caseworkers to process removals. Sunak emphasized that these steps are integral to the plan's success and reiterated his determination to see it through despite delays and political hurdles.
