Rwanda MUST be implemented: Priti Patel issues order to Sunak to FIGHT for Britain on illegal migration

In reaction to the news, the former minister said: "The Supreme Court’s decision and conclusion on the issue of refoulement, which is enshrined in UK law as well as numerous international agreements we are party to, is disappointing.

"The full details of the judgement will need to be carefully reviewed and considered. However, the Court and legal processes throughout have accepted that the partnership with Rwanda had been agreed in good faith and accepted that the principle of asylum claims being processed in safe third countries was lawful.

Rwanda asylum plan REJECTED as Supreme Court deem it UNLAWFUL

"During my time at the Home Office, I worked closely with the Rwandan Government to consider how to ensure the memorandum of understanding could be implemented.

"Due care and consideration was undertaken and a lengthy process of due diligence took place and discussions and negotiations with the Rwandan Government. This also included meeting with the UNHCR to discuss these issues.

"Since the legal challenges began, Ministers should have been working to resolve the concerns raised and ensure robust assurances were in place to win this case.

She continued: "The risks had been raised during the legal challenges, particularly following the Court of Appeal’s judgement in the summer. Ministers have had the opportunity to address the points that have arisen over the issue of refoulement and questions will be asked about what actions they took as this is a legal case which the Government should have won.

I am confident that the plans could have been implemented in way that complied with our own domestic law and our international obligations and the Supreme Court confirmed that changes could be made to bring it into effect.

Jacob Rees Mogg calls for UK to leave ECHR and implement Rwanda plan

Dame Priti added: "The Home Office must now take the necessary steps to ensure that this policy is implemented as our partnership with Rwanda is the single biggest measure to deter illegal migration into the UK and to break the business model of the evil people smuggling gangs putting lives at risk through small boat crossings."

The Supreme Court ruled that it would be unlawful for the UK to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, in a major blow to the Government.

All five justices unanimously agreed with the Court of Appeal’s conclusion that the Rwanda policy was unlawful.

Delivering his judgement, Lord Reed noted that "the court of appeal was right to overturn the high court's decision and to consider the evidence again for itself".

He cited concerns about "media and political freedom", the country's "poor human rights record" and a "misunderstanding of its obligations under the Refugee Convention".

Reacting to the news the newly installed Home Secretary James Cleverly said: "Channel crossings are down compared to last year. We've increased immigration enforcement activity, asylum decisions have tripled since the start of the year and we’ve ramped up returns.

“Our partnership with Rwanda, while bold and ambitious, is just one part of a vehicle of measures to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration.

“But clearly there is an appetite for this concept. Across Europe, illegal migration is increasing, and governments are following our lead – Italy, Germany and Austria are all exploring models similar to our partnership with Rwanda.

“We will carefully review today’s judgment to understand implications and next steps.

“And we will continue to look at every possible avenue to disrupt the vile criminal gangs’ business model of putting innocent lives at risk for their own financial, selfish gain.”

Dame Priti's comments follow those of GB News presenter and MP Jacob Rees Mogg who called for the PM to leave the European Court of Human Rights.