Reaction to passing of cruel Rwanda Bill

Just earlier this evening, the cruel Rwanda Bill sadly passed, unamended, in both Houses of parliament. Here is our reaction to this historic and damaging act:

Dr Wanda Wyporska, chief executive officer at Safe Passage International said: “We’re heartbroken that the unbelievably cruel and shameful Rwanda Bill has passed. Not only does it undermine international and UK human rights laws, but it simply won’t work to deter people from making dangerous Channel crossings, as refugees have no other way to reach safety and family here.  

“At the very heart of this brutal law are people simply seeking a safe life with their families, and children hoping to escape the horrors of war. The reality is, that the UK Government has chosen to deny refugees safe ways to reach the UK to ask for protection, yet it’s determined to punish people whose only option is to risk their lives to get here.  

“Rather than tearing apart families and inflicting further misery on people who have fled war and persecution, this Government should stop wasting resources on getting planes to Rwanda. Instead, it should focus on opening safe routes, such as a refugee visa, for people to reach protection safely.”