Supreme Court to decide fate of 'Stop the Boats' policy
Top Tories are warning of a potential war of words if judges in Strasbourg attempt to impede deportation flights to Rwanda for a second time. The Supreme Court in the UK is set to meet to determine the legality of Rishi Sunak's controversial 'Stop the Boats' policy. However, there are concerns that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) may try to block the plan. Last year, the ECHR issued a late-night injunction to halt a Rwanda flight. If the Supreme Court rules in favor, some Conservative MPs are calling for the UK to leave the ECHR.
'Nuclear war' threat if ECHR interferes
A senior minister has warned that any attempt by the ECHR to block deportation flights would result in a "nuclear war" of words. They asserted that British judges are among the best in the world and that if they rule the 'Stop the Boats' policy is lawful, European judges should not interfere. The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its ruling in November, after considering whether Britain's membership in the ECHR restricts its ability to deport migrants to Rwanda.
Call to replace ECHR with a British Bill of Rights
If the Supreme Court ruling goes against the government, some Tory MPs believe it is time for the UK to take back control and leave the ECHR. Former Cabinet minister Simon Clarke stated that the upcoming hearing would be a litmus test for whether the agreement allows the UK to enforce its own borders. He argued that if the UK is unable to deport migrants, the ECHR should be replaced with a British Bill of Rights. Other MPs, including Karl McCartney and Tom Hunt, also supported the idea of leaving the ECHR if the 'Stop the Boats' policy is not upheld.
Overall, the future of deportation flights to Rwanda hangs in the balance as the Supreme Court considers the legality of the 'Stop the Boats' policy, while Tory MPs brace for a potential showdown with the European Court of Human Rights.
