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561 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillI respectfully agree with the noble Baroness that it is important to look at such matters with caution. In relation to the figures which she cites, the statistics concerning…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, it is entirely prudent and appropriate to anticipate contingencies in the terms of a document such as a treaty.12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, the intention of the Bill is to provide that Rwanda is a safe country. As I have explained to the noble and learned Lord, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, in discussing…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillAs I say, this is now a matter of a treaty commitment by that country. We surely accept the possibility that countries have changed. We know the trauma Rwanda has gone through in…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, we disagree with the views of the UNHCR on that point. As noble Lords were reminded at an earlier stage, the UNHCR is not the sovereign Parliament of this country.12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillWell, my Lords, the treaty is governed by our laws, by the Government of Rwanda and by international law. For a former diplomat, the noble Lord seems to have very little…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, I have adverted at some length already to the Monitoring Committee that is in place and to the work currently under way by judicial and bureaucratic civil servant staff…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillI do not think that that is the case. I think that by saying that Rwanda is continuing to work on a process is to say that it is working on making things safer—not that they are…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillPeople cannot be refouled to a different country under this treaty. They can be sent back to the United Kingdom; that is as far as it goes.12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, the Government enter into diplomatic arrangements such as treaties with other countries on behalf of the Government, the people and the country of the United Kingdom.…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillI think the noble Baroness has my answer, but the point is this: we do not impose or seek to impose upon anyone; nor, when the noble Baroness talks about buying privileged status,…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillIt is not a matter of being ready in an instant. The work is being undertaken. The point is that we have a specific treaty commitment not to refoul. As the noble and learned Lord…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMore than a few weeks ago, I think, but what we have is an internationally binding treaty between two sovereign states. That—if the noble and learned Lord will bear with me—is of…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillJust before the noble Lord stands up or resumes his position, I have specific information on the point he raised earlier on information available electronically. I am told that…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillI think a discussion on this point would be taking up too much of the Committee’s time.12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillI accept that and I did hear the noble Baroness make that point from the Benches opposite. Since summer 2022, when judicial review proceedings in relation to the migration and…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, I am grateful to all noble Lords who contributed to this debate, and in particular to the noble Lord, Lord German, for opening. I acknowledge the spirit across the…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, in relation to the operation of the treaty during its currency, we should bear in mind that a monitoring committee is in place, which examines these things on a…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillThat would be a treaty commitment of the sort that is the strongest bond that two countries can enter into, as we have been reminding the Committee. The conventional statement of…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, it is a matter of working towards having the safeguards in place. We have received assurances from the Government of Rwanda that the implementation of all measures in…12 Feb 2024