Responding to today’s legal judgement on the Government’s deportation deal with the Government of the Republic of Rwanda, Mohamed Omar, Head of Experts by Experience and Partnerships at Refugee Action, said:

“The Government’s grubby cash-for-humans deal is unethical, inhumane and unworkable – none of this has changed.

“Unjust laws must be fought and defeated. We continue to offer solidarity, support and thanks to the organisations who are challenging this cruel deportation plan head on.

“Today our thoughts are with the people who have claimed asylum but will be terrified that they might be detained, shackled and shipped off to a country where they have no loved ones.

“This deal is racist. It clearly discriminates against people fleeing from countries in the Middle East and Africa from where there are no safe routes to get to the UK.

“It’s absurd to think costly, cruel and deadly deterrent policies such as this deportation deal will stop people trying to come to the UK to seek safety.

“Ministers must step away from this plan and build a refugee protection system that is compassionate, just, and workable, no matter where they are from.”