IN a victory for asylum seekers in the UK, the Court of Appeal has ruled that the government's plans to deport individuals seeking asylum to Rwanda are unlawful.

Carlisle's Refugee Action Group (CRAG) is celebrating the 'good news', after three judges overturned a High Court judgment that previously said the east African nation could be considered a 'safe third country' (June 29). 

A spokesperson from the CRAG expressed their 'privilege' in sharing this development with their mental health support group for people seeking asylum in Carlisle.

"It was a privilege to break this good news to our mental health support group for people seeking asylum in Carlisle this morning.

"The fear of being sent to Rwanda has affected most of them. Eyes lit up, weights of anxiety were lifted off their shoulders and their smiles were wide.

"We all knew that Rwanda was wrong on so many fronts... now that it's official we are really pleased and so relieved," they said. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he 'fundamentally' disagrees with the decision, meaning the UK Government will seek to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. 

In a statement, the Prime Minister said: “While I respect the court I fundamentally disagree with their conclusions.

“I strongly believe the Rwandan government has provided the assurances necessary to ensure there is no real risk that asylum-seekers relocated under the Rwanda policy would be wrongly returned to third countries – something that the Lord Chief Justice agrees with.

"Rwanda is a safe country. The High Court agreed. The UNHCR have their own refugee scheme for Libyan refugees in Rwanda. We will now seek permission to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court.

“The policy of this government is very simple, it is this country – and your government – who should decide who comes here, not criminal gangs. And I will do whatever is necessary to make that happen.”

Suella Braverman also expressed her full commitment to the policy while also implying that the existing system was biased against the British public regarding this matter.

An Iranian refugee, who was sent to stay at Carlisle's Hilltop Hotel, previously spoke of the ordeal he faced as his father was one of the first passengers to be selected to go to Rwanda before the government cancelled the flight.