Priti Patel acknowledged that it would take time for the government to establish a high-level plan to send people arriving in the United Kingdom without permission to Rwanda, amid growing suspicions that it would not resolve the migration crisis in the English Channel.
In another attack on the legal profession, the interior secretary blamed “specialist lawyers” as the main reason for the delay in setting up the scheme.
Under the partnership agreement, people arriving in the UK on unauthorized routes, including by crossing the English Channel in small boats, will be able to fly 4,000 miles to Rwanda. Boris Johnson said the scheme would be operational by the end of this month.
The interior ministry confirmed Monday night that the first group of people will be briefed this week on the government’s intention to relocate them to Rwanda. The first flights are expected to take place in the coming months, he said, adding that lawyers for some of those affected are likely to initiate proceedings to stop their removal.
Speaking during a visit to the Kent Police Training Center earlier Monday, Patel said there were “barriers and obstacles” to overcoming the scheme.
Asked if it would be a long time before the removals take place and if she is confident that the scheme will work, she said: “When it comes to our partnership for migration and economic development with Rwanda, it is clear that our goal as a government is to eliminate those who have no legal basis to be in the United Kingdom, in Rwanda.
“I have said from day one, even when I signed the agreement and announced the partnership, that it will take time and it will take time for a number of reasons.
“We see various obstacles and barriers, mainly from specialized law firms that want to block the removal of persons who have no right to be in our country. This is part of the techniques they use.
“It simply came to our notice then. I see this with all the removals, whether they are violators of foreign nationals, people who have caused harm and crimes against British nationals – these companies specialize in preventing their removal.
“So, yes, there will be barriers and yes, there will be obstacles, but … this is the determination of this government, through the work I have led, including the Law on Nationality and Borders … this act of Parliament will give us -great powers and greater resources through changes in legislation to eliminate those persons who have no legal right to be in our country. “
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Her defense comes after shadow Secretary-General Yvette Cooper claims the £ 120m deal signed with Rwanda is little more than a “press release” after it was revealed that the government will have to pay for accommodation, flights and expenses. for life for all sent to Rwanda.
Less than 200 people who came to the UK without a permit would have been sent to Rwanda last year, according to an analysis by the Refugee Council.
Last week, the prime minister was criticized for “attacks” on lawyers who “just do their job” while the government faces a lawsuit over plans.
Johnson says the Liberal Advocates will try to thwart the deal, as Downing Street said one-way flights to the East African nation may not take months, amid criticism and legal challenges.
Mark Fenhalls QC, chairman of the Bar Council, said: “Attacks on men and women simply because they do their job are irresponsible and undermine the rule of law.
Sir Jonathan Jones QC, former head of the government’s legal department and now a senior consultant at Linklaters, said: “It is not fair to blame lawyers for such challenges – they are simply serving the best interests of their clients. they are professionally obliged to do ”.
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