This article was originally published in English
The bill has been stuck for two months as it has been passed back and forth between the two houses of Parliament, with the Lords repeatedly proposing amendments which are then rejected by the Commons.
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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged on Monday that the country’s first deportation flights to Rwanda could leave in 10 to 12 weekswhile promising to end parliamentary deadlock on key policy promise ahead of elections scheduled for later this year.
Mr Sunak made the comments at a press conference, speaking directly to the public after promising last week that Parliament would remain in session until the legislation was passed. The House of Commons will consider the bill later today, followed by the House of Lords.
Mr Sunak called on the unelected House of Lords to stop blocking legislation allowing authorities to deport some asylum seekers to Rwandaas he seeks to deliver on a campaign promise to “stop the boats” bringing migrants to the UK illegally.
“Enough is enough”said Mr Sunak, who told reporters that commercial charter planes had been booked to transport asylum seekers.
He has refused to give details when asked how many people were expected on flights in the coming months.
The bill has been blocked for two monthsas it is subject to back and forth between the two Houses of Parliament, with the Lords repeatedly proposing amendments which are then rejected by the Commons. Lords have no power to overturn billbut they must give their assent before it becomes law.
The ruling Conservative Party plans tosend some asylum seekers to Rwanda to dissuade migrants from taking the risk of crossing the Channel on inflatable boats that take on water. This projectcontinued by three prime ministers over the past two years, has so far encountered a series of court decisions and virulent opposition from migrant defenderswho consider it illegal and inhumane.
Current legislation, known as Safety of Rwanda Billis a response to a decision of the Supreme Court that blocked deportation flights because the government could not guarantee the safety of migrants sent to Rwanda.
After signing a new treaty with Rwanda to strengthen the protection of migrants, the government has proposed new legislation declaring Rwanda a safe country.
Alex Carlile, independent member of the House of Lords, said that the amendments aimed to improve “ill-judged, poorly drafted and inappropriate” legislation who is “unlawful under current UK and international law”.
“This is, in my opinion, the most inexplicable and insensitive day I have experienced in almost 40 years in either House of Parliament,” he told the BBC. “What Rishi Sunak is asking Parliament to do is say that an untruth is a truth.”
