This has everything to do with the fact that legal proceedings against the measure are ongoing. For example, the case is currently before the UK’s highest legal authority, says Van Bekhoven. “It could be months before the Supreme Court rules on sending asylum seekers to Rwanda,” she says. “It could go against human rights.”
“The law can violate human rights”
Nonetheless, Sunak seems pleased that the House of Commons has accepted his proposal. “The law is controversial and has been debated for years,” says Van Bekhoven. “But I think it is a political victory for Sunak. It is important for him to finally keep one of his five electoral promises.
electoral interest
Not a superfluous luxury, thinks Van Bekhoven. Especially since the elections are relatively close. This would also be a deterrent attempt by Sunak for other asylum seekers. “The British government has been promoting a very hostile attitude towards asylum seekers for years, for the benefit of the voter at home,” he continues. “Last week there was a shelter here, and to accommodate the children they had decorated the walls with drawings of Mickey Mouse and other characters. However, the Secretary of State requested that it be repainted. This is that hostile attitude. Because it has no effect on the number of asylum seekers.”