THE Government's policy of sending illegal migrants who arrive in the UK to Rwanda has been described as 'cruel' and 'immoral' by a network of racial equality campaigners in Cumbria.

Cumbria's Race Equity Network has spoken out against the policy after potential prime minister Liz Truss suggested the scheme may be extended to other countries.

The flights to Rwanda, in eastern Africa, have not gone ahead after recent challenges.

The Cumbrian network, which includes refugee charities, councillors and racial equality groups, has urged the Government to scrap the policy.

In a joint statement from its members, it said the policy was 'racist', would not work and was potentially illegal.

"Shamefully, the nation that once saved thousands of Jewish children from the Nazis (through the Kindertransport) is now persecuting refugees," it said.

"The contrast with the welcome extended to Ukrainian refugees could not be more glaring.

"The UK government has encouraged members of the community to host those fleeing from the war in Ukraine, and thousands have risen to this challenge, demonstrating that the British public are capable of great warmth and generosity.

"But all refugees should be treated fairly and compassionately, whether they are black, brown or white.

"We, at CREN, remain firmly opposed to the Rwanda plan and any proposed extension of it.

"We believe this misconceived policy should be scrapped, along with the associated Nationality and Borders Bill and plans to overhaul the Human Rights Act. Instead, we call on the government to create a humane, just and effective system that protects the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers and fulfils the UK’s duties under the Refugee Convention."

Suggesting a way to stop dangerous crossings across the channel for those seeking asylum, the group said: "We believe the only practical, ethical way to reduce the number of people risking their lives in the English Channel is to enable asylum seekers to have their cases heard in France.

"Those whose claims are upheld should then be allowed to travel to the UK using safe, legal routes."

The Government insists the scheme will crack down on 'people smugglers' bringing those seeking asylum to the UK.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "Our world-leading partnership with Rwanda is a key part of our strategy to overhaul the broken asylum system and break the evil people smugglers’ business model."