'I've been to Rwanda - it's safe', says minister after court rules government plan 'unlawful'

A government minister who visited Rwanda to see where the UK would send asylum seekers under a controversial scheme has disputed the Supreme Court's claims that the country is not safe. The highest court in the land ruled yesterday (November 15) that the plan to send some asylum seekers to the East African country is 'unlawful'.

Lord Reed, who delivered the judgment, said that there is a risk that some asylum seekers sent to Rwanda could face persecution if they are sent back to the country they fled. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he respected the result, but announced a new deal with Rwanda and plans for emergency legislation declaring it a safe country.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News today (November 16), Sir John Whittingdale, who is the Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, said that the government was 'disappointed' with the ruling, but still 'determined' to stop migrants arriving in the UK unlawfully on boats. The Conservative MP said he accepted the Supreme Court's ruling.

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However, he disputed claims that the country which he recently visited is not safe. He said: "I've been to Rwanda and I've seen the hostel where it's proposed for people to go. The idea that Rwanda is not a safe place, I dispute."

The Labour Party has criticised the government for "wasting" £140m on the Rwanda scheme so far. When asked whether this money would be better spent by supporting local councils which are struggling to house asylum seekers, Sir John said that reducing the number of people arriving in the UK would help relieve housing pressures.

As part of the government's plan