According to a government source, any modification to an injunction that halted deportations “would remove a significant barrier to launching flights.” The European Court of Human Rights, which issued a Rule 39 injunction in 2022, has not remarked on discussions.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman is “encouraged” by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) “constructive” discussions regarding the injunction that halted migrant flights to Rwanda.
A government source said modifying the injunction “would remove a key barrier to getting flights off the ground.”
The European Court of Human Rights, which issued a Rule 39 injunction in 2022, has not remarked on discussions.
As part of its discussions with the Strasbourg court, the government has asked for a higher legal threshold for any Rule 39 injunctions that may be imposed on future deportation flights.
It also wants the ECHR to consider the UK High Court’s ruling that the Rwanda program was lawful.
Additionally, the government wishes to make legal arguments if the court seeks another injunction in the future.
It comes after cabinet minister Oliver Dowden claimed the government was “forced” to pursue the controversial policy due to the dramatic increase in the number of persons crossing the English Channel in small boats.
He said he did not “enjoy” deporting families to Rwanda, but “evil people smugglers” would otherwise endanger them.
In Kigali, Rwanda, Ms. Braverman called deporting illegal aliens a “blessing.”
She stated, “The government has been clear that the opaque Strasbourg procedure that led to the last-minute grounding of our Rwanda flight with a Rule 39 order last year was deeply flawed.”
Therefore, our bill contains provisions addressing how the United Kingdom intends to comply with such directives in the future.
“However, I’ve been encouraged by the government’s recent constructive discussions with Strasbourg. Which have included possible reforms to Rule 39 procedures, which is something we would like to see.”
Previously, a source from the Home Office stated that the government aimed to launch the first deportation flights this summer. But that this timeline was contingent on the forthcoming legal battles.
Since the agreement was signed by Ms. Braverman’s predecessor, Priti Patel, in April, no migrants have been deported to Rwanda.
Lisa Nandy of Labour criticized the government’s “unethical and ineffective” Rwanda policy and suggested that the £140 million agreement be used to fund the National Crime Agency’s efforts to combat criminal gangs profiting from Channel crossings.
She stated, “Everyone acknowledges that this is a significant issue, a crisis. Criminal organizations profit from a high number of boats arriving on the coast, and the asylum system is in disarray.
“The concern, however, is what the government is doing. They have participated in numerous PR opportunities and photo sessions thus far. “We sent £140 million in cheques to Rwanda to implement a program that has not eliminated a single person.”
