UK ministers have acknowledged the detention of asylum seekers destined for removal to Rwanda, sparking protests outside Home Office buildings. Nationwide operations commenced this week, targeting adult men and women with plans for further activity over the next 11 weeks leading up to flights to East Africa. Although officials declined to disclose detainment numbers, sources reported “dozens” held across the UK, spanning cities like Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Bristol.
Additionally, the senior civil servants’ union has sought a judicial review against the government’s Rwanda plan, with the FDA warning members of potential violation of the civil service code if they follow ministerial orders to disregard a Strasbourg injunction against deportation.
Demonstrations against the removals are widespread, occurring outside immigration reporting centers across the country. These actions have drawn criticism, with accusations of exploiting asylum seekers’ plight for political purposes.
The Home Office defended the actions, emphasizing the urgency to swiftly detain those lacking legal rights to remain in the UK to disrupt people-smuggling networks. However, critics argue that such measures only exacerbate the fear and distress experienced by individuals who have fled war and persecution.
Labour has distanced itself from the Rwanda removals, asserting it would not continue the scheme if in government. While emphasizing the need for a proper returns agreement with other countries, the party categorically stated it would not schedule flights to Rwanda and would not seek to repatriate individuals sent there under the Tory government.
