EXPLAINER: Showdown in UK’s parliament over Rwandan asylum bill
It’s a clash of ideas over the final wording of the Rwandan Asylum Bill as UK legislators in two Houses of Parliament disagree over amendment proposals.
Rwanda signed a treaty in December 2023, agreeing to be a destination for deporting asylum seekers from the UK. The system, according to the UK will help deal with the country’s struggle with illegal immigrants as well as provide a safe haven for refugees who will not be accepted in the country.
The East African country said in a statement that their acceptance is towards strengthening relations with the UK and addressing the global imbalance of economic opportunity.
But the bill which was passed narrowly by the House of Commons on January 17, 2024, has since faced delays with its passage into law pending approval of Britain’s House of Lords.
Both chambers of the UK’s parliament, the House of Lords and the House of Commons must agree to the wording of the bill before it can become law but this has not been possible because of disagreements with portions of the bill by the former.
Why the disagreement?
The upper and lower chambers have reached a stalemate over some amendments proposed by the upper house to the proposed Rwandan Asylum Bill.
While the House of Commons has okayed the bill and its contents, the House of Lords for the fourth time has rejected the bill and proposed some amendments.
These amendments include the exemption of Afghan nationals who had served in the British armed forces from being sent to Rwanda.
The argument put forward by Labour’s Lord Browne of Ladyton is that these people have assisted the UK military and have earned their stay in the country, a proposal which was backed by 247 votes to 195.
The second proposal for amendment focuses on the need for the UK to ensure extra safeguards are fulfilled by Rwanda. This will guarantee that the asylum seekers who will be sent to the country will be safe. This motion moved by independent Baron Hope of Craighead was backed by 245 to 208 votes.
What is next?
The House of Commons is expected to reject these proposals from their colleagues in the upper chamber. According to Reuters, legislators are expected to engage in the next stage of the process on April 22 or 23.
Meanwhile, the unelected upper chamber is expected to drop its proposals if the elected lower chamber keeps rejecting them.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes the new regulations will fulfill his vow to prohibit migrants from arriving in the UK unlawfully in small boats.
