I understand that you have a number of concerns about the provisions contained in the Bill. 

I can assure you that the UK has a proud history of supporting those in need of protection and since 2015 we have welcomed 480,000 people through safe and legal routes from all over the world, as well as via country-specific routes from Syria, Hong Kong, Afghanistan and Ukraine. But while our compassion may be infinite, our capacity to help is not. 

I am aware that the numbers crossing the English Channel illegally via small boats reached 45,000 in 2022. The Home Office has been spending over £6m a day on housing them in hotels because local authorities do not have the capacity to support them. This is not sustainable, and it is impacting on our ability to help those genuinely in danger who might come via our safe and legal routes. Further, it is putting significant strain on public services.

As such, the Government is taking decisive action to deem Rwanda a safe country notwithstanding UK and international law, and to end the merry-go-round of illegal migration delay tactics by migrants. The Bill builds on the treaty recently signed by the Home Secretary and the Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister, making clear in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country thereby answering all of the concerns of the Supreme Court.

The Prime Minister is clear that this legislation will ensure migrants cannot use spurious claims or appeals to frustrate their removal, and once removed, they will have no right to re-entry, settlement or citizenship.

Rwanda currently hosts more than 135,000 people seeking safety and protection and has a track record of providing that protection. The UN Refugee Agency has its own scheme for refugees in Rwanda, which is not delivered through a legally binding treaty.

The Bill and the treaty will deliver on the Prime Minister's priority to stop the boats and ensure that people know that if they come to the UK illegally, they will not be able to stay.