UK plans to withdraw from EU human rights framework

This follows a court ruling preventing a flight from leaving the UK with 7 refugees reported on board while the plane was on the tarmac

UK Home Secretary pledged to ‘push forward’ deportation flights to Rwanda – amid delays

It was the UK’s new policy on asylum seekers aimed at deporting those it deemed illegal who had crossed the Channel in unseaworthy boats.

Being deported to Rwanda – a small landlocked country in the middle of Africa.

But a last-minute ruling by the European Court of Human Rights prevented the inaugural flight from leaving the UK, just minutes before taking off with 7 reported refugees on board.

In response, a Downing Street spokesman said “all options are on the table”, including the possibility of the UK withdrawing from the European Court of Human Rights.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Priti Patel has said the UK is committed to continuing deportations.

While the government says the plan deters migrants from crossing the Channel in dangerous boats and disrupts the business model of smugglers.

Critics of the plan say it ranges from unethical to unworkable.

The UK even as late as last year said there were concerns over allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture in Rwanda.

Although the UK has indicated that it is considering leaving the European Court of Human Rights, it should be noted that the EHCR is not the same as the EU.

The UK remains a member of over 45 members.

In addition, membership of the European Court of Human Rights also underpins aspects of the Good Friday Peace Agreement as well as elements of the Brexit Treaty.