The UK has been spared from making substantial payments to Rwanda following the termination of the failed Tory deportation policy, as confirmed by a recent court decision.
Rwanda had sought £100 million from the UK government, arguing that it was owed payments scheduled for 2024 and 2025. This significant sum was part of a contentious agreement championed by Conservative leaders Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, which involved transferring over £700 million in exchange for deporting unsuccessful asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Despite efforts by Mr. Sunak’s administration to navigate legal challenges surrounding the policy, no forced removals were executed. The initiative was ultimately discontinued by the Labour government upon assuming power.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, ruled against Rwanda after the UK contended that no further payments were justifiable post-policy abandonment. The British authorities emphasized that it was rational not to proceed with additional funding after the project’s termination.
The Rwanda scheme, a flagship endeavor during the later stages of the Conservative government, aimed to deter small boat crossings by relocating failed asylum seekers to Africa. However, only four individuals were eventually transferred, leaving uncertainties about Rwanda’s capacity to accommodate more arrivals.
Following a Supreme Court ruling deeming the policy illegal in 2023, Mr. Sunak introduced the Safety of Rwanda Act to designate Rwanda as a safe destination for deportations. In 2024, reports from The Mirror disclosed that while the legislation was being advanced in Parliament, the Foreign Office was devising contingency plans in case of conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During the legal proceedings, British representatives contended that it was logical to discontinue the plan with a change in government. Rwanda demanded that the UK be held accountable for breaching the agreement and sought outstanding payments along with compensation.
Upon assuming office, Keir Starmer swiftly declared the plan defunct, prompting Rwanda’s justice minister to express discontent over the UK’s withdrawal from the deal without prior notification.
In their claim, Rwanda urged the court to find the UK in violation of the agreement and demanded approximately £100 million due in installments over the coming years, plus additional compensation and interest. Instead of monetary compensation, Rwanda indicated a preference for a formal apology from the UK for failing to fulfill the agreement.
While one arbitrator recommended a £50 million payment to Rwanda for the second year of the scheme, this was not adopted by the majority decision.
A government spokesperson emphasized that the UK successfully defended its stance, with the tribunal ruling in favor of the UK on all counts. The spokesperson criticized the previous government’s policy for squandering funds and highlighted the current focus on border reforms and enhancing the removal process for illegal migrants.