The Rwandan government has launched legal action against the UK to seek payments it claims it is owed under a scrapped migrant deal between the two countries. Rwanda has filed a case with the Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, arguing the UK has failed to honour commitments made in a deal to send some asylum seekers to the African nation. Under the deal, signed by the previous Conservative government, the UK agreed to make payments to Rwanda to host asylum seekers and support its economy. But after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer axed the deal in 2024, the Home Office stated that £220m in 'scheduled future payments would not have to be paid' to Rwanda.
A Home Office spokesperson stressed: 'The previous government's Rwanda policy wasted vast sums of taxpayer time and money. We will robustly defend our position to protect British taxpayers.' The Rwandan government, while not responding directly to the BBC's requests for comment, directed attention to an article in the New Times detailing the arbitration proceedings. This arbitration aims to determine the obligations of both parties under the treaty according to international law.
The original Rwanda policy, intended to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats, cost approximately £700m. Despite its backing, only four individuals were transferred to Rwanda at the program's height. The agreement included a term allowing either party to terminate it with notice. According to reports, Rwanda engaged in diplomatic discussions prior to seeking arbitration, signaling a desire for a legal resolution via the PCA, which has the authority to issue binding decisions in such disputes. Conservative politicians have criticized Labour’s decision to abandon the Rwanda scheme, asserting that this legal action will burden UK taxpayers further.
A Home Office spokesperson stressed: 'The previous government's Rwanda policy wasted vast sums of taxpayer time and money. We will robustly defend our position to protect British taxpayers.' The Rwandan government, while not responding directly to the BBC's requests for comment, directed attention to an article in the New Times detailing the arbitration proceedings. This arbitration aims to determine the obligations of both parties under the treaty according to international law.
The original Rwanda policy, intended to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats, cost approximately £700m. Despite its backing, only four individuals were transferred to Rwanda at the program's height. The agreement included a term allowing either party to terminate it with notice. According to reports, Rwanda engaged in diplomatic discussions prior to seeking arbitration, signaling a desire for a legal resolution via the PCA, which has the authority to issue binding decisions in such disputes. Conservative politicians have criticized Labour’s decision to abandon the Rwanda scheme, asserting that this legal action will burden UK taxpayers further.
