The Rwandan government has launched legal action against the UK to seek payments it claims it is owed under a scrapped migrant deal between the two countries. Rwanda has filed a case with the Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, arguing the UK has failed to honour commitments made in a deal to send some asylum seekers to the African nation. Under the deal, which was signed by the previous Conservative government, the UK agreed to make payments to Rwanda to host asylum seekers and support its economy.
But after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer axed the deal in 2024, the Home Office said £220m in 'scheduled future payments will not have to be paid' to Rwanda. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The previous government's Rwanda policy wasted vast sums of taxpayer time and money.' The Rwandan government has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment. However, they pointed towards an article detailing the arbitration proceedings.
The New Times article quotes Michael Butera, Rwanda's chief technical adviser, stating: 'Through arbitration, Rwanda seeks a legal determination of the parties' respective rights and obligations under the treaty, in accordance with international law.' The arbitration body typically sets a timetable for the involved parties to present their arguments, and the process can take years to conclude.
As international scrutiny continues, Conservative members blame the cancellation of the scheme as a failure, asserting that it leaves UK taxpayers vulnerable to significant costs.
But after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer axed the deal in 2024, the Home Office said £220m in 'scheduled future payments will not have to be paid' to Rwanda. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The previous government's Rwanda policy wasted vast sums of taxpayer time and money.' The Rwandan government has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment. However, they pointed towards an article detailing the arbitration proceedings.
The New Times article quotes Michael Butera, Rwanda's chief technical adviser, stating: 'Through arbitration, Rwanda seeks a legal determination of the parties' respective rights and obligations under the treaty, in accordance with international law.' The arbitration body typically sets a timetable for the involved parties to present their arguments, and the process can take years to conclude.
As international scrutiny continues, Conservative members blame the cancellation of the scheme as a failure, asserting that it leaves UK taxpayers vulnerable to significant costs.
