Thank you to the constituents who have contacted me about the safety of the Rwanda Bill.  

I understand that you have a number of concerns about the provisions contained in the Bill and I appreciate your concern for the safety of vulnerable asylum seekers. The UK has a proud history of supporting those in need of protection and since 2015 we have welcomed 480,000 people through safe and legal routes from all over the world, as well as via country-specific routes from Syria, Hong Kong, Afghanistan and Ukraine. 

I am aware that the numbers now crossing the English Channel illegally via small boats reached 45,000 last year and the Home Office has been spending over £6m a day on housing them in hotels because local authorities do not have the capacity to support them.  This is not sustainable, and unfortunately it is impacting on our ability to help those genuinely in danger who might come via our safe and legal routes. Further, it is putting strain on public services.  

The Government is taking action to deem Rwanda a safe country notwithstanding UK and international law, in order to reduce illegal migration. The Bill builds on the treaty recently signed by the Home Secretary and the Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister, making clear in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country thereby answering all of the concerns of the Supreme Court. Rwanda currently hosts more than 135,000 people seeking safety and protection and has a track record of providing that protection and supporting people thriving in their country. The UN Refugee Agency has its own scheme for refugees in Rwanda, which is not delivered through a legally binding treaty.  

I appreciate there are many opinions on this issue, but the intention of the Bill and the treaty is deliver on the Prime Minister's priority to reduce illegal and dangerous small boat crossings so that people know that if they come to the UK illegally, it will not be possible for them to stay.   

Fiona Bruce MP

January 2024