Migrant crisis: Rwanda deportation flights could take off in just months
The first flight to deport Migrants to Rwanda is set to take off as early as September
PA
The first flight to deport migrants to Rwanda is set to take off as early as September, it has been claimed.
Plans are being prepared as sources close to Rishi Sunak say the Government is hopeful of winning a court fight to enforce his controversial policy.
The Government hopes it will win the Court of Appeal and avoid a Supreme Court on the small boats deterrent scheme.
Ministers believe if judges discard the appeal lodged by unions and human rights groups, it is unlikely that there will then be a legal justification for sending the case to the high court.
The Government hopes it will win the Court of Appeal and avoid a Supreme Court on the small boats deterrent scheme
PA
“There’s a world in which we are wheels-up later this year and the Supreme Court do not get involved," one source told The Sun.
A previous attempt to deport failed asylum-seekers to the African country was grounded by the European Court of Human Rights on a temporary injunction.
However, the Government won in the High Court earlier this year with the Rwanda scheme deemed lawful.
Later this month, the Court of Appeal is expected to give its own verdict on the scheme which is seen as a deterrent to migrants risking their lives by illegally crossing the Channel in small boats.
The Government continues its battle with the House of Lords to pass its immigration Bill, which will make deportations more legally sound.
If Peers block the bill, the Prime Minister has suggested he could use the Parliament Act to push it into law.
The Act, which is rarely used, will allow Sunak to overrule the Lords - and the Prime Minister has not dismissed the idea of enforcing it.
“This legislation is incredibly important. It passed the House of Commons very strongly", he told The Telegraph.
The Court of Appeal is expected to give its own verdict on the scheme which is seen as a deterrent to migrants risking their lives by illegally crossing the Channel in small boats
PA
"And my intention is to see this piece of legislation on the statute books so we can start using it."
When pushed again on possibly using the Act, he said: “I want to see this legislation on the statute book. It’s the country’s priority.”
No10 refused to deny possibly using the Act, but said: “We hope the Lords agree with the Commons.”