Tracking the Rwanda Bill

In the first part of a special NLJ series, Michael Zander KC analyses the Lords debate on the Bill’s second reading

Unusually strong feeling in the Lords, after Lord German moved an amendment to the Rwanda Bill, triggering a vote on the second reading.

Introducing the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, Lord Stewart of Dirleton, Advocate General for Scotland, said: ‘We recognise that some of the provisions in the Bill are novel. However, the Government are satisfied that the Bill can be implemented in line with both our domestic law and international obligations’ (Hansard, HL Vol 835, col 1006).

That view did not find a great deal of support during that second reading debate on Monday, 29 January. A second reading debate normally goes through without a vote. But this Bill raises unusually strong feeling and an amendment moved by Lord German (Lib Dem) proposed that the Bill should not be read a second time, ‘because it (1) places the United Kingdom at risk of breaching its international law commitments; (2) undermines the rule of law by ousting

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Tracking the Rwanda Bill

In the first part of a special NLJ series, Michael Zander KC analyses the Lords debate on the Bill’s second reading

Unusually strong feeling in the Lords, after Lord German moved an amendment to the Rwanda Bill, triggering a vote on the second reading.

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

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Tracking the Rwanda Bill

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven