Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill

Debate between Florence Eshalomi and Stephen Kinnock

Consideration of Lords message
Monday 22nd April 2024 Commons Chamber

[Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall) (Lab/Co-op)]

Given that a permanent secretary has said that there is no evidence the plan will work as a deterrent, as it will account for just 1% of those crossing the channel, does my hon. agree that it is just a gimmick?

[Stephen Kinnock]

My hon. Friend is right: the test of such a policy is whether it will work as a deterrent. When we are dealing with people who have risked life and limb to cross continents, they are not going to be put off by a 1% chance of being sent to Rwanda. The policy fails on its own terms, and the permanent secretary was absolutely right to put that red flag on it two years ago. It is extraordinary that we are where we are today.