EU leader's party backs Rwanda-style refugee deportation deals

Rishi Sunak said the “leading parties in the EU” had said “the leading parties in the EU” would not contest the election. are now following the UK's lead on illegal migration. Photo: WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe

Ursula von der Leyen's party has proposed asylum deals with third countries, and Rishi Sunak argues that parties in the European Union «should follow our lead in the fight against illegal migration.»

< p>‌The European People's Party (EPP), led by the European Commissioner, the largest in the European Parliament, said it wants to “implement the concept of safe third countries.”

< p>‌In its manifesto for the European elections in June, it said: “Anyone who seeks asylum in the EU can also be transferred to a safe third country and undergo the asylum procedure there.”

“This bill comes after The Rwanda bill, designed to clear the way for the first flights to the Central African state for illegal migrants, was approved by parliament and received royal assent last week.

‌Mr Sunak wrote for The Mail on Sunday: «When I first became prime minister, I said others recognize that meaningful deterrence is the only way to stop the boats, and now even the leading parties in the EU are following our lead.»< /p>

“If the UK gains a global reputation for being tough on illegal migration, I'll be very happy with that. This is right for our country. If Keir Starmer wants to be seen as soft on securing our borders, he will soon learn the consequences.

The full EPP manifesto statement said: “We are committed to the fundamental right to asylum, but the EU, together with its member states, must have the right to decide to whom and where it is [sic] granted.”< /p>

“We will enter into agreements with third countries so that asylum seekers can also receive protection in a civilized and safe way. We want to implement the concept of safe third countries.

“Anyone claiming asylum in the EU can also be transferred to a safe third country and undergo the asylum procedure there. If the result is positive, the safe third country will provide local protection to the applicant.”

The manifesto also states that the safe third country criteria will be “consistent with core obligations.” the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the European Convention on Human Rights.”

Earlier this year, a senior ECHR judge suggested the UK's plans could be contrary to the convention, and many of Mr Sunak's supporters on the right side of the party want the UK to leave.

The Prime Minister said earlier said Rwanda's plan was «more important» than ECHR membership, which some fear could be an obstacle to the policy.

The Government said the first flights to Rwanda would begin within 10 to 12 weeks, but Mr Sunak insisted the policy was «not about one flight». .

“Under the current government, we are going to permanently deport people to Rwanda on regular multiple flights every month until the boats are stopped and we truly break the business model of the criminal gangs who exploit the vulnerable people and putting their lives at risk,” he wrote.

Irish Deputy Prime Minister said the threat of deportation to Rwanda was already “affecting” his country because people were “fearful” of remaining in the UK.