British campaigners ‘relieved’ as migrant evictions to Rwanda delayed

50 asylum seekers expected to be flown out of the UK by the end of the month have been notified that their Rwandan flights will not take place until June 6

The UK rolled out the controversial deportation policy as part of plans to curb Channel crossings of migrants trying to reach Britain

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People arrive at Dover Docks after British Border Force Officials picked up a boat carrying migrants in the English Channel. Under a scheme designed to crack down on migrants landing on British shores after crossing the Channel in small boats, the UK intends to provide those deemed to have arrived unlawfully with a one-way ticket to Rwanda. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 9:02pm, 19 May 2022

Britain’s government has been forced to delay its first deportation flights sending unwanted migrants to Rwanda after campaigners lodged a legal campaign against the controversial policy.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last weekend that 50 asylum seekers have already been told they are due to be flown to the East African nation within a fortnight, which would be the end of May, but anticipated opposition to the move.

Campaigners said they received notice late on Wednesday that the Rwanda flights will now not take place until at least June 6.

Clare Moseley, founder of refugee charity Care4Calais, said she was “relieved” at the decision.

Migrants arrive after crossing the English Channel in Dover, Britain. Under a scheme designed to crack down on migrants landing on British shores after crossing the Channel in small boats, the UK intends to provide those deemed to have arrived unlawfully with a one-way ticket to Rwanda. Photo: EPA-EFE

“This was a direct response to our second letter sent on Tuesday as part of our legal action against the Rwanda plan.

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