Ruling expected tomorrow
Rishi Sunak has a Plan B in case the Supreme Court sinks the flagship immigration policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, according to Downing Street. The fate of the policy will be decided tomorrow by the country's most senior judges. Defeat would be a blow to the Prime Minister's promise to stop small boat crossings before the expected election next year. However, No10 claims that ministers have been preparing for potential outcomes and drafting contingencies. Mr Sunak's spokesperson said: "We've got options for possible scenarios as you would expect."
Ministers briefed ahead of ruling
New Home Secretary James Cleverly has also briefed the Cabinet in preparation for the ruling, which is due at 10am tomorrow. Last summer, the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court judgement that deemed the removal scheme to be safe. By a two-to-one vote, judges were not convinced that the Kigali government would not later send migrants to other countries where they could face persecution.
Unlawfulness ruling not a death sentence for the plan
Ministers argue that a ruling of unlawfulness does not necessarily mean the end of the plan, which was first announced by Boris Johnson in 2022. The outcome will depend on the severity of the judgement. If the government loses in the Supreme Court, it would also increase pressure from Tories to leave the European Court of Human Rights. On the other hand, a victory would be a significant boost for Mr Sunak, who would aim to get flights to Rwanda underway as soon as possible.
Payment to Rwanda intended to deter asylum seekers
Britain has paid Rwanda £140 million to house asylum seekers who cross the English Channel. Ministers argue that this payment will deter tens of thousands from making the dangerous journey, as they will know they could be flown to the East African country instead.
