British and Irish Prime ministers are poised for discussions amidst escalating tensions over the UK’s approach to migrants.
The Irish government asserts a surge in asylum seekers from Northern Ireland, expressing concerns about their apprehension of being deported to Rwanda, adding that it will not allow Ireland to provide a “loophole” for anybody else’s “migration challenges”.
Conversely, the UK stipulates that it won’t accept the return of migrants from Ireland unless the EU alters its policy on repatriation of migrants to France. Although talks between the UK home secretary and Irish justice minister were slated for Monday, they were postponed abruptly on Sunday without explanation.
Nonetheless, ministers are slated to convene in London for the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, despite the postponement of the bilateral meeting.
Ireland reports that 80% of recent asylum seekers hail from Northern Ireland.
Prime Minister Sunak contended that the uptick in arrivals in Ireland underscores the efficacy of the Rwanda asylum policy, recently enacted into law.
Taoiseach Simon Harris reiterated Ireland’s commitment to its migration policy’s integrity, announcing plans to introduce legislation enabling the return of asylum seekers to the UK.
This legislation follows a ruling by the Irish High Court disallowing the designation of the UK as a “safe third country,” citing the risk of deportation to Rwanda. However, a UK government source stated that asylum returns won’t be accepted from the EU via Ireland until the EU sanctions returns to France.
Addressing the ongoing challenge of illegal crossings from France, the UK government remains resolute in operationalising the Rwanda scheme and collaborating with French authorities to deter such crossings.
The impending Intergovernmental Conference, established under the Good Friday Agreement, is anticipated to address these pressing issues. Despite the cancellation of the planned meeting between Home Secretary James Cleverly and Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee, discussions on migration are anticipated to be raised.
Under the Rwanda policy, those entering the UK illegally face deportation to Rwanda with the option to seek asylum there. Approved by Parliament after protracted debate and legal contests, the government aims to initiate deportation flights within the next 10 to 12 weeks.
Responding to concerns about the UK “exporting the problem,” Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak defends the deterrent effect of the policy, asserting that it dissuades illegal migration.
The Home Office confirms plans to detain migrants in preparation for deportation to Rwanda, following reports by The Guardian detailing imminent detentions scheduled to commence on Monday.
Chioma Kalu
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