Today: 22 June 2025
2 May 2024
2 mins read

UK govt begins detention of asylum seekers  

Reacting to the developments, the charity Freedom from Torture condemned the government’s actions, asserting, “This government has lost its last ounce of humanity.”…reports Asian Lite News

British authorities have commenced the detention of asylum seekers as part of the new initiative aimed at deporting them to Rwanda, with initial flights slated for departure as early as July, the government announced.

Home Secretary James Cleverly remarked, “Our dedicated enforcement teams are working at pace to swiftly detain those who have no right to be here so we can get flights off the ground.”

Confirmation of the detainment procedures follows the recent enactment of legislation designating Rwanda as a safe third country, circumventing a prior UK Supreme Court ruling that deemed the scheme unlawful on human rights grounds.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, emphasising his pledge to curb migrant arrivals via small boats from mainland Europe, underscored that detentions would occur promptly ahead of deportation flights scheduled to commence within “10 to 12 weeks.”

Describing it as “another major milestone” in the Rwanda deportation plan, the UK’s Home Office disseminated visual documentation showcasing immigration enforcement officers detaining individuals with handcuffs at various locations.

Reacting to the developments, the charity Freedom from Torture condemned the government’s actions, asserting, “This government has lost its last ounce of humanity.”

A senior minister disclosed that the government anticipates deporting 5,700 individuals this year, following Rwanda’s “in principle” agreement to accept that number. However, authorities have lost contact with thousands of potential deportees, with only 2,143 currently located for detention, leaving over 3,500 unaccounted for.

Ministerial assurances have been provided that enforcement teams will locate these individuals, with commercial charter planes already reserved and an airport placed on standby.

Against the backdrop of more than 7,500 arrivals via small boats from France this year, the government contends that the policy will act as a deterrent against the perilous English Channel crossings.

In light of the Supreme Court ruling issued last November, human rights organizations and unions opposed to the policy are poised to mount fresh legal challenges to halt the deportation flights.

Natasha Tsangarides, associate director of advocacy at Freedom from Torture, underscored the pervasive fear among asylum seekers, warning that the prospect of detention and deportation to Rwanda would compel some to go underground and sever ties with their support networks.

Rwanda, home to 13 million people in Africa’s Great Lakes region, is lauded for its stability and modern infrastructure. However, rights groups accuse President Paul Kagame of governing in an atmosphere of repression, characterized by curbs on dissent and free speech.

ALSO READ-Austin pushes for more Patriot systems to Ukraine

Previous Story

Local polls could determine Sunak’s fate

Next Story

Scottish govt survives no-confidence vote

Latest from -Top News

US committed great crime: Iran

Iran has now called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and demanded the IAEA Board of Governors address the situation….reports Asian Lite News Iran has strongly condemned the United

Strike Iran, Face Us, Houthis warn US

The Yemen-based Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been targeting Israel since November 2023…reports Asian Lite News Yemen’s Houthi group issued a stark warning on Sunday, declaring they would

Tehran Hits Back After US Strikes

The missiles struck several locations across central Israel. Notably, one hit Haifa without any prior warning sirens, raising alarm over possible gaps in the missile alert system….reports Asian Lite News Iran fired

Trump Dares Iran Again

This comes as Trump announced that America had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran and warned Tehran of further precision strikes…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump declared that no other
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Maternal deaths in UK surge to highest level in 20 years

A damning 2022 report into one found failures at the

Boris hails £10 billion Qatari ‘vote of confidence’ in the UK

UK-Qatar trade was worth £4.8 billion last year and Qatari