In Parliament, I have had yet another opportunity to scrutinise the Safety of Rwanda Bill. During its revision by the House of Lords, MPs had decisively rejected the proposed amendments. Readers will know that I am broadly supportive of the Bill, yet I have sought to push the Government into some minor amendments to strengthen the legislation.
My constituents will know that I am particularly keen on enshrining the role of the European Convention on Human Rights in our national debate. It is clear that the Government’s concerns are, contrary to some commentator’s narrative, being taken incredibly serious. As I outlined in my speech, we need to continue to play a part in ensuring it develops in a way in which we would wish to see it develop.
The second issue that I wished to raise was that of the impact of the legislation on existing safeguards. Those who have followed my previous remarks will know that I am particularly concerned about a clash with the Children’s Act 1999. This Act set up the legal framework that protects lone children and ensures that they become the responsibility of a local authority that can take them into the care system. I am concerned that conflicting legislation will leave local authorities in an impossible place when it comes to providing appropriate levels of care.
Shortly after my contribution, an agreement was reached, and the Bill became law. We have already seen the first voluntary relocation to Rwanda, and I know that the Government is keen to see further flights take off for Kigali in July.
You can watch my contribution to the debate here.
