LONDON (AP) — The British Parliament has finally passed legislation to send some migrants to Rwanda, clearing the runway for flights this summer under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ’s controversial plan aimed at deterring risky English Channel crossings by people desperate to reach the U.K.
A bill designed to unblock a plan beset by court challenges and legislative battles was approved early Tuesday, delivering what Sunak hopes will be a much-needed political victory and fulfill his pledge to “stop the boats.”
Human rights activists and migrants’ groups have vowed to continue the fight against the policy, which they say is unethical and inhumane.
Here’s a look at the plan and what it took to reach this stage.
The Rwanda plan is the British government’s response to the growing number of migrants from around the world — reaching a high of 46,000 in 2022 — who cross the English Channel from France to Britain in small boats.
US Open champ Coco Gauff urges young Americans to vote
Shanghai taxis to accept foreign bank cards
Adorable children danced with dragons to celebrate the Spring Festival and welcome Lantern Festival
Ports across China to see 1.8 mln daily entries, exits during Spring Festival holiday
NASCAR star Kyle Larson is embracing his Indianapolis 500 debut, right down to milking a cow
Orchestra celebrates the nation's musical youth
Comicomment: Five Eyes alliance is the largest global intelligence agency
Ethnic minority students participated in a fun campus game to welcome the Asian Games
Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Croatia's ruling party wins most seats in parliamentary elections: exit polls