Border Security Takes Priority Over International Courts for Sunak

Britain has long been planning to deport illegal immigrants to Rwanda. This is mainly intended as a deterrent. Is the country considering withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights? Prime Minister Sunak fueled speculations.

Sunak Stresses Importance of Border Control, Raises Questions on International Courts

According to Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, border security is more crucial than membership in international courts. In an interview with “The Sun” newspaper, the conservative politician sparked speculation that his country might withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights if the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg were to interfere in its deportation policy.

Controversial Deportation Plans to Rwanda

The British government plans to deport migrants arriving in the UK without the necessary documents to Rwanda, regardless of their country of origin. These individuals would then be able to apply for asylum in the East African country, with no provision for their return to the UK. The government aims to deter people, especially those attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats.

Sunak’s Plans Face Heavy Criticism

Despite criticism from human rights organizations and the UK’s highest court, the government is persisting with its deportation plans. During the “Sun” interview, Sunak was asked if he would consider leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to push through the plans.

“I believe our plans are in line with our international obligations, including the European Convention on Human Rights,” Sunak stated. “But I believe that border security and ensuring we can control illegal migration are more important than any membership in a foreign court because it is fundamental to our sovereignty as a nation.”

Emphasizing Deterrence as the Preferred Approach

Sunak has made stopping boat crossings over the English Channel one of his key political objectives. He reiterated in the interview that he strongly favors deterrence to prevent people from even considering illegal entry over the English Channel.

Record Numbers Attempting Dangerous Crossings

According to the news agency PA, the number of individuals attempting to reach Britain through this route hit a record high in the first three months of this year. During that period, over 5,400 people undertook the perilous journey across the strait.