A Conservative peer from Harrogate has criticised the government’s Rwanda bill for creating a “legal fiction” that would “diminish our international reputation”,
The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill aims to override international law by saying Rwanda is a safe country where illegal migrants can be sent to have their asylum and human rights claims assessed.
Local Conservative MPs Andrew Jones, who represents Harrogate and Knaresborough, and Julian Smith, who represents Skipton and Ripon, have both voted to support the Bill.
But Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate spoke out against it during a debate in the House of Lords on Monday.
He said:
“The Bill, as it stands, risks entangling us in a complex web of ethical and legal dilemmas that could diminish our international reputation, betray our duty to the genuine asylum seekers, undermine the rule of law and place our courts in an exceedingly difficult position. It risks creating a legislative or legal fiction.
“Let us be clear: the European Court of Human Rights is not a foreign court; it is a shared court.
“The UK was instrumental in its establishment and has significantly contributed to its jurisprudence. A British judge sits on the court and British lawyers are involved in its administration.”
The lawyer, who as Timothy Kirkhope served as an MP for Yorkshire and the Humber and an MEP for Leeds North East, added the bill “would place the UK in direct violation of its treaty obligations”, adding:
“How can the UK continue to be a global advocate for the rule of law—as many others have said—and honouring international commitments if this happens?”
“I am not alone in being perplexed by the inconsistencies that this policy and this Bill will introduce.”
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Lord Kirkhope said the government had many tools to deal with the issue and “we simply need to know which tools to use and how to deploy them better”.
He went on to praise the government for reducing the number of small boat crossings by 36% compared to 2022 and said the number of staff working on asylum cases had “increased significantly, and 112,000 asylum cases were processed in 2023, the most in any year since 2002”.
Last year’s deal with France had “greatly enhanced co-operation”, he said, adding.
Review: The Woman in Black haunts York’s Grand Opera HouseLovett Care to open brand-new home in Harrogate later this month“All these tools—and a number of others—have been, and will continue to be, more effective in stopping the boats than these Rwanda proposals. The government should focus on these instead, and I believe the country would be grateful.
“My remarks today stem from a deep sense of regret and disappointment in witnessing how we have become embroiled in what can be described only as an unhealthy obsession with Rwanda.
“This fixation appears to be an attempt to satisfy certain factions and individuals, who seem to possess neither the depth of understanding nor the nuanced appreciation of the complexities involved in asylum and immigration matters.
“For them, nothing will be enough.”
This story is sponsored by Lovett Care.
A stunning new purpose-built care home is set to open on Wetherby Road in Harrogate this month. Fairfax Manor will provide high-quality residential, dementia and respite care, 24 hours a day.
The new home, from award-winning care provider Lovett Care, also has an enviable range of truly exceptional facilities, including a café, bistro, library, orangery, beauty salon, private dining room and bar – placing it in the top rank of care homes in the region. The home has 90 fully-furnished en suite rooms with outdoor space provided by balconies, patio areas and landscaped gardens for all to enjoy.
One of the lounges at Fairfax Manor.
The home have recruited an activities team who will promote a healthy lifestyle and positive wellbeing all year round. Their holistic approach to care and support will ensure the team provides a full and varied activities programme that meets the needs of everyone who lives in the home. The dedicated team will arrange daily supported sessions and activities to ensure everyone benefits from life at Fairfax Manor.
Lovett Care also employs two people to lead activities seven days a week, including morning exercises, an art club, trips out in the minibus, and a lot more – all tailored to the residents’ needs.
General Manager Gillian Allatt said:
“We know the key to a successful home is down to the individuals who work there.
“We have recruited an exceptional team who have been selected for their individual qualities but most importantly their dedication to wanting to make a difference. I truly have a team who cares.
“I am looking forward to welcoming our new residents to Fairfax Manor as that is when it truly becomes a home. The unrivalled facilities have all been thoughtfully designed and will offer an exceptionally high standard of living yet with a homely feel. My team will be on hand 24 hours a day to provide the very best care and support, enabling our residents to enjoy their next chapter.”
The landscaped gardens will have plenty of beautiful seating areas.
Lovett Care already operates nine homes across the North West and north Wales, supporting more than 500 residents. Fairfax Manor will be its first east of the Pennines.
The company employs more than 700 people, and a further 100 or more will be employed in the new Harrogate care home, which is located within a mile of the town centre. The home will be a welcome addition to the local area with the growing demand for elderly care and support.