The court ruled that the UK is not obligated to pay Rwanda millions of pounds following the termination of the failed Tory deportation policy. Rwanda had sued for £100 million, claiming it was entitled to payments scheduled for 2024 and 2025 under a controversial agreement spearheaded by Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, which involved transferring over £700 million in exchange for deporting unsuccessful asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Despite efforts by Sunak’s administration to address legal concerns and push through related legislation, no mandatory deportations were executed, leading to the project’s cancellation by the Labour government. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague sided with the UK, rejecting Rwanda’s claim for further payments, as it was deemed illogical to continue financial obligations after the policy’s abandonment.
The Rwanda initiative, a flagship Tory project aimed at curbing illegal crossings, only saw four volunteers sent, raising doubts about Rwanda’s capacity to accommodate asylum seekers. Following a Supreme Court ruling deeming the policy unlawful in 2023, Sunak introduced the Safety of Rwanda Act to designate Rwanda as a safe destination for deportations. However, internal documents revealed concerns over potential conflicts with neighboring countries during the legislative process.
During the legal proceedings, UK lawyers contended that Rwanda’s demands were baseless, asserting that Rwanda had no entitlement to additional payments. Upon assuming office, Keir Starmer promptly declared the plan defunct, emphasizing the UK’s failure to honor its obligations and the lack of prior communication with Rwanda.
Rwanda’s request for compensation, totaling £100 million plus interest, was met with a denial from the UK. Instead, Rwanda expressed willingness to accept a formal apology for the agreement’s breach. Despite a minority advocate recommending a £50 million payment to Rwanda for the second year of the scheme, the majority of arbitrators dismissed the proposal.
A government spokesperson criticized the previous administration’s wasteful spending on the failed project, emphasizing the current focus on border reforms and enhancing removal processes for illegal migrants. The UK aims to strengthen border control measures and deter unauthorized entries by addressing underlying incentives and increasing deportations of individuals lacking the right to remain in the country.
