Senior Bishops Challenge Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Bill
Reforming Key Aspects of the Bill
A group of prominent bishops, spearheaded by the Archbishop of Canterbury, are gearing up to confront the latest Rwanda Bill presented by Rishi Sunak. They are pushing for significant amendments that could potentially derail the contentious Safety of Rwanda Bill set to be deliberated in the House of Lords.
Demands for Change
Five bishops have united to advocate for 29 revisions, triggering what is expected to be a fierce showdown between the Church of England leaders and the government. Archbishop Justin Welby has raised concerns, cautioning that the current trajectory of the Bill may lead the nation astray.
Proposed Amendments by Bishops
The bishops are advocating for pivotal changes such as granting refugees the right to return to the UK, empowering courts with additional authority, and ensuring safeguards for children within the framework of the Bill. They are challenging an array of governmental propositions, including imposing a two-year limit on the declaration of Rwanda’s safety.
Opposition to Government’s Stance
The bishops are at odds with the government’s stance on the Bill, particularly in terms of restricting court powers related to deportations. They are pushing for a more balanced approach that considers credible evidence challenging the notion of Rwanda being a safe haven for asylum seekers.
Key Demands by the Bishops
Among the demands are calls for the UN Human Rights Commissioner to provide an assessment before any deportations take place, advocating for the expiration of the Bill after two years, and ensuring the welfare of vulnerable groups like children and victims of slavery and trafficking.
FAQs
What are the key demands of the bishops regarding the Rwanda Bill?
The bishops are pushing for changes that include granting refugees the right to return to the UK, seeking assessments from the UN Human Rights Commissioner, protecting the welfare of children, and stopping victims of slavery and trafficking from being sent against their will.
How does the Archbishop of Canterbury view the current Rwanda Bill?
Archbishop Justin Welby has expressed concerns that the Bill is leading the nation down a damaging path, emphasizing the need for substantial changes to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals affected by the legislation.
What is the bishops’ stance on court powers in relation to deportations?
The bishops are advocating for a more nuanced approach that allows courts to consider credible evidence challenging the assumption of Rwanda as a safe country for deportations, highlighting the importance of a fair and just legal process.
Why are the bishops emphasizing the protection of children in the Bill?
The bishops are calling for measures to safeguard the welfare of children, ensuring that unaccompanied minors are not inadvertently sent to Rwanda. They stress the need for comprehensive guidelines to protect vulnerable groups within the scope of the legislation.
How does the Archbishop of Canterbury recommend addressing interim measures?
Archbishop Justin Welby insists that the government must adhere to international law when implementing interim measures that impact individuals’ removal, underscoring the significance of respecting legal frameworks to uphold human rights standards.
