Suella Braverman insists Rwanda's deportation policy is 'humane', but is unable to give a start date

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Suella Braverman has claimed that being forcibly deported to Rwanda is "not a punishment" for crossing the English Channel, as asylum seekers told The Independent that they would "rather die" than face deportation.
The Home Secretary said the policy would "deter more people" despite the small boat arrivals which have reached new records since its announcement in April.
Ms Braverman declined to give a start date for flights to Kigali after the High Court on Monday ruled the policy was legal, suggesting potential appeals should end first.
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Charities have vowed to continue fighting the 'preposterous' plans, and further legal challenges could be brought by those selected for deportation.
Judges overturned eight removal decisions because the Home Office failed to "properly consider the circumstances" of asylum seekers, ordering it to review these cases.
“Being relocated to Rwanda is not a punishment, but an innovative way to solve a major problem to correct the imbalance between illegal and legal migration routes,” Ms Braverman told the House of Commons .
"It is a humane and convenient alternative for those who come here through dangerous, illegal and unnecessary routes. By making it clear that they cannot expect to stay in the UK, we will deter more people from coming here and make these routes unviable.
Several Tory MPs have asked the Home Secretary when the flights will start, with none organized since a failed attempt in June.
The Minister of the Interior did not give a time estimate but pledged to "vigorously defend" any further legal challenges, adding: "Once the litigation process is complete we will move quickly to operationalize the agreement."
Ms Braverman has previously said she expected the decision to be appealed and that the government should 'let it play out'.
The High Court will not consider any appeals until January 16, and any further hearing could take several months before being pleaded and decided.
During these proceedings, the government has

Politics Dec 20, 2022 0 80 Add to Reading List

Suella Braverman insists Rwanda's deportation policy is 'humane', but is unable to give a start date

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Suella Braverman has claimed that being forcibly deported to Rwanda is "not a punishment" for crossing the English Channel, as asylum seekers told The Independent that they would "rather die" than face deportation.

The Home Secretary said the policy would "deter more people" despite the small boat arrivals which have reached new records since its announcement in April.

Ms Braverman declined to give a start date for flights to Kigali after the High Court on Monday ruled the policy was legal, suggesting potential appeals should end first.

Charities have vowed to continue fighting the 'preposterous' plans, and further legal challenges could be brought by those selected for deportation.

Judges overturned eight removal decisions because the Home Office failed to "properly consider the circumstances" of asylum seekers, ordering it to review these cases.

“Being relocated to Rwanda is not a punishment, but an innovative way to solve a major problem to correct the imbalance between illegal and legal migration routes,” Ms Braverman told the House of Commons .

"It is a humane and convenient alternative for those who come here through dangerous, illegal and unnecessary routes. By making it clear that they cannot expect to stay in the UK, we will deter more people from coming here and make these routes unviable.

Several Tory MPs have asked the Home Secretary when the flights will start, with none organized since a failed attempt in June.

The Minister of the Interior did not give a time estimate but pledged to "vigorously defend" any further legal challenges, adding: "Once the litigation process is complete we will move quickly to operationalize the agreement."

Ms Braverman has previously said she expected the decision to be appealed and that the government should 'let it play out'.

The High Court will not consider any appeals until January 16, and any further hearing could take several months before being pleaded and decided.

During these proceedings, the government has