This afternoon, the Government brought forward its legislation designed to ensure that deportations to Rwanda can commence. I am satisfied that this legislation will make a meaningful impact on our work to break the business model of human traffickers, and I am broadly supportive of the Government.
I have come to this conclusion having heard first-hand from those in Calais and those leading the response here in the UK. Leading charity figures and leaders in local government have expressed their concern for the large numbers of people arriving here in a short space of time. Once here, they are rightfully given access to housing, education and other important public services.
Having started off as a Rwanda sceptic, I was eager to hear the Home Secretary set out his plan to deal with small boat crossings, while adhering to our international commitments. I am glad that the Home Secretary has chosen to work with our international partners to tackle this issue rather than to isolate ourselves as others had pushed him to do.
Building on the Supreme Court’s judgement last month, the Bill in my mind addressed many of those concerns. Individuals sent to Rwanda will have the sufficient safeguards on their human rights. As a result of this policy, individuals processed in Rwanda will have the same safeguards as those sent elsewhere.
Although this Bill is not perfect, it shows that decision making in the Home Office has quickly improved in recent months. More work is being done with stakeholders to create a fair and equitable system that prioritises those who are most in need, while ensuring that those exploited by human traffickers are not unduly punished.
