British taxpayers will bear extra costs after the signing of a treaty with the Rwandan government, the home secretary has admitted, and insisted that the government was not pursuing “cheap and quick popularity”.
James Cleverly became the third UK home secretary in 19 months to sign an agreement with the Rwandan government on Tuesday in the hope that it will allow the government to send people seeking asylum to east Africa.
It follows the damning ruling by the supreme court last month that found that the government’s plans were unlawful.
The government insists that the new treaty responds directly to the conclusions of the supreme court and presents a new long-term solution.
So far ministers have handed over £140m to the Rwandan government but has so far declined to disclose how much has been paid out in extra costs in Rwanda and the UK, particularly in a series of lengthy court cases.
Asked if there would be additional money for the new treaty, Cleverly said: “The financial arrangement which inevitably comes as part of an international agreement reflects the costs that may be imposed on Rwanda through the changes that this partnership has created in their systems: in their legal systems and their institutions.
“No money was asked for by the Rwandans for this treaty. No money was provided to the Rwandans for this treaty.
“Dealing with migration is important and it is not a cost-free option, but we regard it as the right thing to do.”
He added: “The UK and Rwanda are working on this because it is important not because it is easy nor because it buys you cheap and quick popularity.”
The Home Office claims that the treaty enhances the functions of a monitoring committee in Rwanda to ensure compliance with obligations, such as reception conditions, processing of asylum claims, and treatment and support for asylum seekers.
The monitoring committee will develop a system for “confidential complaints”, they said, while Rwanda’s asylum system will be strengthened. This is through a new appeal body consisting of co-presidents, one a Rwandan and another Commonwealth national co-President. It will be composed of judges from a mixture of nationalities with asylum and humanitarian protection expertise.
Rwanda’s foreign affairs minister, Vincent Biruta, said the country has been “unfairly treated” by the courts, international organisations and the media.
He invited critics to offer “alternatives” to the plan and said now was the time to “move forward” with the partnership.
Enver Solomon, the head of the Refugee Council, said that the announcement does not overturn the judgment of the supreme court and will instead send people seeking help 4,000 miles away.
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