Westminster Witnesses Heightened Political Drama
In a landmark decision, the UK Supreme Court has declared the government’s controversial Rwanda migrant deal as unlawful, intensifying the ongoing Tory civil war. The ruling came amid fierce opposition from left-wing lawyers and campaigners, challenging the policy aimed at dealing with illegal migration.
This development closely follows former Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s explosive criticism of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accusing him of ‘magical thinking’ and betrayal over the policy to stop illegal migration through small boats.
Tory MP Philip Davies labelled the ruling a ‘constitutional crisis’, arguing that the judiciary’s role is to implement laws passed by Parliament, not to judge the policies’ merits. This statement underscores the deepening divide within the party and the complex interplay between legal and political spheres.
Lord Reed, summarising the court’s decision, acknowledged the Rwandan Government’s good faith in the agreement. However, the court found substantial grounds for believing in the real risk of refoulement, the act of returning refugees to countries where they face serious threats, which is against UN and European human rights treaties.
Further complicating matters are concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record and the independence of judges and lawyers handling asylum cases in Rwanda. Evidence of migrants being moved to neighbouring countries post-arrival in Rwanda added to the court’s concerns.
Amidst these developments, the Labour party braces for a significant internal conflict over the Gaza ceasefire vote, reflecting the broader political tumult across the UK’s political landscape. Story Source
