Council of Europe human rights watchdog condemns UK’s Rwanda bill

Rights commissioner expresses grave concern after Rishi Sunak’s asylum policy passes parliamentary stages

The Council of Europe’s human rights watchdog has condemned Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda scheme, saying it raises “major issues about the human rights of asylum seekers and the rule of law.”

The body’s human rights commissioner, Michael O’Flaherty, said the bill, expected to be signed into law on Tuesday after passing its parliamentary stages late on Monday night, was a grave concern and should not be used to remove asylum seekers or infringe on judges’ independence.