Rishi Sunak’s Controversial Deportation Bill: What You Need to Know

In a bold move to deter asylum seekers from making the dangerous journey across the English Channel, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pushed through a controversial deportation bill that will see individuals sent to Rwanda and permanently banned from returning to the UK. Sunak, who has made “stopping the boats” a key priority of his government, has said that “nothing will stand in our way” of implementing this new scheme.

The bill, officially known as the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration Bill), has sparked outrage among human rights groups, with many arguing that it violates international law and undermines the rights of asylum seekers. Despite legal challenges and protests, Sunak remains steadfast in his commitment to the policy, which he hopes will “break the business model” of criminal gangs organizing the treacherous Channel crossings.

Just hours after the bill was passed, tragedy struck as five people, including a child, lost their lives while attempting to make the perilous journey. This heartbreaking incident has only added fuel to the fiery debate surrounding immigration policy in the UK.

But what does this mean for the asylum seekers themselves? The bill targets those arriving in small boats, labeling them as “illegal” entrants who must apply through official channels. Those selected for deportation will be given a mere seven days’ notice to appeal the decision before being sent to Rwanda.

Despite the government’s tough stance on immigration, the numbers tell a different story. In 2023, the UK received 67,337 asylum applications, with only 4,330 being successful. This is a fraction of the total net migration figure of nearly 1.2 million people.

As the UK grapples with the ongoing migrant crisis, the question remains: how effective will this new policy be in deterring asylum seekers? Only time will tell as the government presses forward with its controversial plan.