Public figures in the UK have written to airlines to persuade them not to operate refugee flights to Rwanda.
Prominent public figures in the UK have contacted airlines anticipated to be flying refugees from the UK to Rwanda to persuade them not to operate the flights in opposition to the new policy. The UK Government is implementing its recently announced plan to send people who have entered the UK unlawfully to Rwanda, where they may be offered long-term accommodation.
In April the UK Government announced a new scheme to tackle the issue of migrants crossing the English Channel and entering the UK. Under the new plan, some refugees entering the UK to claim asylum would be sent to Rwanda to claim asylum in the African country. The UK Home Office is responsible for managing the scheme, and it charters airlines to fly the refugees from the UK.
The scheme has caused controversy in the UK and public figures have now written to airlines to urge them not to operate these flights. More than 90 celebrities and public figures are signatories - the list includes journalists, musicians, and lawyers. The letter has been seen by The Independent and has been sent to airlines that have previously operated such flights, including Titan Airways, Privilege Style, and Iberojet.
The initial flight has already been scheduled and is due to leave the UK on June 14th with people from various countries, believed to include Syria, Sudan, Iran, and Iraq.
Comments