Rwanda Deportation Flights Delayed Until After UK General Election
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that deportation flights to Rwanda will not take place before the general election on 4 July 2024. The £500 million scheme faces legal challenges and criticism from opposition leaders and some Conservative Party members. Migration remains a contentious issue as the election nears, with Labour opposing the Rwanda plan.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that flights deporting migrants to Rwanda, part of a £500 million government scheme to curb illegal Channel crossings, will not commence before the general election set for 4 July 2024.
Despite being a core promise of Sunak’s administration, intended to act as a deterrent, the policy has faced legal challenges from human rights organizations and unions.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer and some Conservative Party members have criticized the delay.
Meanwhile, statistics reveal record highs in Channel crossings in early 2024, and migration remains a contentious issue as the election approaches.
Labour opposes the plan, promising to use the allocated funds to strengthen border control without deportations to Rwanda.