After US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, the Labour government in the United Kingdom (UK) led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-600-arrested-for-working-illegally-in-uk-8705813">Keir Starmer</a> has launched mass raids across the country on people working illegally. Being described as a "UK-wide blitz", the crackdown has reached Indian restaurants, nail bars, car wash areas, and all the other places where Indian migrants are employed.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-man-arrested-by-us-immigration-authorities-over-sexual-assault-charges-8703439">Indian man arrested by US immigration authorities over sexual assault charges</a>
The process is being overseen by the British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Her office said in a statement that although her team responds to illegal workers across all sectors, a great proportion of such scenarios occurred last month at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industries. The office said that one visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England, in January led to seven arrests and four detentions.&nbsp;
"The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken," Cooper said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/policy-to-execute-immigration-laws-against-removable-aliens-us-embassy-on-deportation-of-indian-immigrants-8696201">'Policy to execute immigration laws against removable aliens': US Embassy defends deportation of Indians</a>
"Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system, and our economy," she further added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dumbest-immigration-policy-in-the-world-jd-vance-slams-birthright-citizenship-in-first-interview-as-us-vp-8656473">'Dumbest immigration policy': JD Vance slams birthright citizenship in first interview as US vice president</a>
Notably, the Starmer cabinet is under pressure to prove his government is tough on illegal immigration. The UK is using bespoke charter flights to deport "immigration offenders" across the globe. In four of the biggest migrant return flights in the UK's history, the country deported more than 800 people.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/selena-gomez-breaks-down-in-tears-over-trumps-immigration-crackdown-deletes-video-later-8659468">'My people are getting attacked' Selena Gomez breaks down in tears over Trump's immigration crackdown</a>
In a "show, not tell strategy," Starmer is recording the deportation of these flights in Trump-style TV footage. People deported onboard these flights are being called criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder. 
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | INDIA NEWS | After US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, the Labour government in the United Kingdom (UK) led by Keir Starmer has launched mass raids across the country on people working illegally. 

After US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, the Labour government in the United Kingdom (UK) led by Keir Starmer has launched mass raids across the country on people working illegally. Being described as a "UK-wide blitz", the crackdown has reached Indian restaurants, nail bars, car wash areas, and all the other places where Indian migrants are employed. Also read: Indian man arrested by US immigration authorities over sexual assault charges The process is being overseen by the British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Her office said in a statement that although her team responds to illegal workers across all sectors, a great proportion of such scenarios occurred last month at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industries. The office said that one visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England, in January led to seven arrests and four detentions. "The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken," Cooper said. Also read: 'Policy to execute immigration laws against removable aliens': US Embassy defends deportation of Indians "Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system, and our economy," she further added. Also read: 'Dumbest immigration policy': JD Vance slams birthright citizenship in first interview as US vice president Notably, the Starmer cabinet is under pressure to prove his government is tough on illegal immigration. The UK is using bespoke charter flights to deport "immigration offenders" across the globe. In four of the biggest migrant return flights in the UK's history, the country deported more than 800 people. Also read: 'My people are getting attacked' Selena Gomez breaks down in tears over Trump's immigration crackdown In a "show, not tell strategy," Starmer is recording the deportation of these flights in Trump-style TV footage. People deported onboard these flights are being called criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder.  (With inputs from agencies)

'UK-wide blitz': Starmer targets Indian restaurants in Trump-style crackdown on illegal immigration

British Home Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-home-secretary-suella-braverman-lays-down-governments-illegal-migration-bill-before-house-of-commons-569591https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-home-secretary-suella-braverman-lays-down-governments-illegal-migration-bill-before-house-of-commons-569591">Suella Braverman has been asked to apologise</a> for offering "praise to staff in private only to attack them in public", after an email in her name claimed that civil servants blocked attempts to curb illegal migration. According to a report by the Guardian on Thursday (March 9), a letter sent to the permanent secretary of the Home Office accused Braverman of an attack on the integrity and impartiality of thousands of department staff.&nbsp;

The letter was sent by Wynne Parry, the Home Office rep of the FDA union to Matthew Rycroft, the Home Office permanent secretary on Wednesday. It adds to the anger within the home office at the email signed by Braverman which blamed an activist blob of leftwing lawyers, civil servants and the Labour party for blocking laws that curb illegal migration.

“We tried to stop the small-boat crossings without changing our laws. But an activist blob of leftwing lawyers, civil servants and the Labour party blocked us,”&nbsp;said the mail sent under her name to Conservative party members.&nbsp;

The home secretary, meanwhile, insisted, that she neither saw nor sanctioned the email before it was sent. Speaking to ITV on Wednesday, Braverman said that she did not write the email, and it was an error that it was sent out in her name.&nbsp;

The letter from the home office said, "You will already be aware of the great upset this cowardly attack has caused to Home Office staff." Demanding a full apology from Suella Braverman, the letter added, "It is not acceptable to praise the staff in private only to attack them in public when civil servants have no recourse to defend themselves," the Guardian reported.&nbsp;

After the email was sent, a Home Staff Q&amp;A was leaked. In this, one civil servant wrote, “I have never been so embarrassed and ashamed to work for the department I once loved. Time to move on!”

The report further said that in an attempt to mend relations with civil servants, Braverman sent an email lavishing praise on them for their help with the illegal immigration bill. 
 
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British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been asked to apologise for offering "praise to staff in private only to attack them in public", after an email in her name claimed that civil servants blocked attempts to curb illegal migration.

British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been asked to apologise for offering "praise to staff in private only to attack them in public", after an email in her name claimed that civil servants blocked attempts to curb illegal migration. According to a report by the Guardian on Thursday (March 9), a letter sent to the permanent secretary of the Home Office accused Braverman of an attack on the integrity and impartiality of thousands of department staff. The letter was sent by Wynne Parry, the Home Office rep of the FDA union to Matthew Rycroft, the Home Office permanent secretary on Wednesday. It adds to the anger within the home office at the email signed by Braverman which blamed an activist blob of leftwing lawyers, civil servants and the Labour party for blocking laws that curb illegal migration. “We tried to stop the small-boat crossings without changing our laws. But an activist blob of leftwing lawyers, civil servants and the Labour party blocked us,” said the mail sent under her name to Conservative party members. The home secretary, meanwhile, insisted, that she neither saw nor sanctioned the email before it was sent. Speaking to ITV on Wednesday, Braverman said that she did not write the email, and it was an error that it was sent out in her name. The letter from the home office said, "You will already be aware of the great upset this cowardly attack has caused to Home Office staff." Demanding a full apology from Suella Braverman, the letter added, "It is not acceptable to praise the staff in private only to attack them in public when civil servants have no recourse to defend themselves," the Guardian reported. After the email was sent, a Home Staff Q&A was leaked. In this, one civil servant wrote, “I have never been so embarrassed and ashamed to work for the department I once loved. Time to move on!” The report further said that in an attempt to mend relations with civil servants, Braverman sent an email lavishing praise on them for their help with the illegal immigration bill. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: Home officials demand apology from Secretary Suella Braverman. Here's the reason

The UK government will unveil a highly anticipated yet controversial bill on Tuesday aimed at stopping illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel. It would ban those making the perilous journey using small boats from claiming asylum in the country and will deport them swiftly. If passed, the draft law will also prevent those deported from re-entering the UK and ever claiming British citizenship. The home secretary will have the duty to carry out these deportations, according to reports. The proposed legislation has been heavily criticised by rights groups who claim it is unworkable and unfairly targets refugees. Ministers from PM Rishi Sunak's government, however, claim it is necessary.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UK New law to stop small boat migrants

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Tackling the migrant issue was one of five key priorities outlined by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in January. His party, which as per Reuters is languishing in polls, is under severe pressure to handle the issue and the PM is even facing pressure from within his party to come up with an appropriate solution.

AFP reports that the new law comes days before a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Friday summit reportedly has cooperation&nbsp;to "stop the boats" high on its agenda.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/enough-is-enough-uk-set-to-introduce-new-law-to-crack-down-on-illegal-migrants-568691">'Enough is enough,' UK set to introduce new law to crack down on illegal migrants</a>

"(It) will ensure that people arriving in the UK illegally are detained and promptly returned to their home country or a safe third country," said an interior ministry spokesperson, while stressing the need for the law and the "vital" role France plays to curb crossings.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the British government has claimed that its latest attempt at putting a stop to the illegal crossings will not breach Britain's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-court-to-rule-if-governments-migrants-deportation-flights-to-rwanda-are-legal-544438">London court says government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda lawful</a>

Migrants will only be deported to "safe third countries" it said. However, these countries are yet to be specified.

The plan follows an equally contentious law which was unveiled last year. The Nationality and Borders Act, among other things, allowed the government to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. No flights for it have yet taken place thanks to the repeated appeals against the worrisome law.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The UK government will unveil a highly anticipated yet controversial bill on Tuesday aimed at stopping illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel. It would ban those making the perilous journey using small boats from claiming asylum in the country and will deport them swiftly.

The UK government will unveil a highly anticipated yet controversial bill on Tuesday aimed at stopping illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel. It would ban those making the perilous journey using small boats from claiming asylum in the country and will deport them swiftly. If passed, the draft law will also prevent those deported from re-entering the UK and ever claiming British citizenship. The home secretary will have the duty to carry out these deportations, according to reports. The proposed legislation has been heavily criticised by rights groups who claim it is unworkable and unfairly targets refugees. Ministers from PM Rishi Sunak's government, however, claim it is necessary. Watch | UK New law to stop small boat migrants Tackling the migrant issue was one of five key priorities outlined by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in January. His party, which as per Reuters is languishing in polls, is under severe pressure to handle the issue and the PM is even facing pressure from within his party to come up with an appropriate solution. AFP reports that the new law comes days before a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Friday summit reportedly has cooperation to "stop the boats" high on its agenda. Also read | 'Enough is enough,' UK set to introduce new law to crack down on illegal migrants "(It) will ensure that people arriving in the UK illegally are detained and promptly returned to their home country or a safe third country," said an interior ministry spokesperson, while stressing the need for the law and the "vital" role France plays to curb crossings. Reportedly, the British government has claimed that its latest attempt at putting a stop to the illegal crossings will not breach Britain's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Also read | London court says government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda lawful Migrants will only be deported to "safe third countries" it said. However, these countries are yet to be specified. The plan follows an equally contentious law which was unveiled last year. The Nationality and Borders Act, among other things, allowed the government to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. No flights for it have yet taken place thanks to the repeated appeals against the worrisome law. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK to unveil new law that deports asylum seekers to unspecified 'safe third countries'

The United Kingdom is all set to unveil a new law to crack down on migrants arriving in Britain in small boats from Europe across the English Channel. As per reports, the law will be unveiled on Tuesday. Talking to the Sun on Sunday newspaper, interior minister Suella Braverman said "enough is enough."&nbsp;For months now, the British government has been promising to step up action to tackle the issue of illegal migrants. More so, after the number of people making the perilous crossing across the English Channel soared to more than 45,000 last year.

"Enough is enough. The British people want this solved," said the Home Secretary adding, "they are sick of tough talk and inadequate action. We must stop the boats."

Watch |&nbsp;UK sees record migrant crossings despite Rwanda plan

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The past two years saw the number of migrants arriving on the English coast double. Tackling the migrant issue was one of five key priorities outlined by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in January. Sunak's party, as per Reuters, is languishing in polls, and the PM is even facing pressure from his own party's lawmakers to find an appropriate solution.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-court-to-rule-if-governments-migrants-deportation-flights-to-rwanda-are-legal-544438">London court says government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda lawful</a>

As per the Sun on Sunday report, the proposed new legislation will mean that the asylum claims of all those arriving to the nation on small boats will be ruled inadmissible. They will then be removed to a 'safe third country' as soon as possible.

Last year, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed on a deal to send tens of thousands of migrants more than 4,000 miles away (6,400 km) to Rwanda; a country that has been accused of "a poor human rights record" by the British High Commissioner to Rwanda. The sentiment is shared by multiple European nations, six of which even expressed their concern for the same via an open letter marking Human Rights Day in 2015.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-faces-criticism-at-united-nations-for-its-migration-policies-533031">UK faces criticism at United Nations for its migration policies</a>

As per Reuters, the first flight under the deal was planned for June of last year, but it was blocked by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The strategy's legality was also challenged by a judicial review at the London High Court. The policy has been denounced by human rights groups and even reportedly by King Charles.

The High Court subsequently ruled it lawful in December, however, opponents are seeking to appeal that verdict. The legal battle is expected to end up in the UK Supreme Court and hence may get delayed for months.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Kingdom is all set to unveil a new law to crack down on migrants arriving in Britain in small boats from Europe across the English Channel. As per reports, the law will be unveiled on Tuesday.

The United Kingdom is all set to unveil a new law to crack down on migrants arriving in Britain in small boats from Europe across the English Channel. As per reports, the law will be unveiled on Tuesday. Talking to the Sun on Sunday newspaper, interior minister Suella Braverman said "enough is enough." For months now, the British government has been promising to step up action to tackle the issue of illegal migrants. More so, after the number of people making the perilous crossing across the English Channel soared to more than 45,000 last year. "Enough is enough. The British people want this solved," said the Home Secretary adding, "they are sick of tough talk and inadequate action. We must stop the boats." Watch | UK sees record migrant crossings despite Rwanda plan The past two years saw the number of migrants arriving on the English coast double. Tackling the migrant issue was one of five key priorities outlined by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in January. Sunak's party, as per Reuters, is languishing in polls, and the PM is even facing pressure from his own party's lawmakers to find an appropriate solution. Also read | London court says government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda lawful As per the Sun on Sunday report, the proposed new legislation will mean that the asylum claims of all those arriving to the nation on small boats will be ruled inadmissible. They will then be removed to a 'safe third country' as soon as possible. Last year, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed on a deal to send tens of thousands of migrants more than 4,000 miles away (6,400 km) to Rwanda; a country that has been accused of "a poor human rights record" by the British High Commissioner to Rwanda. The sentiment is shared by multiple European nations, six of which even expressed their concern for the same via an open letter marking Human Rights Day in 2015. Also read | UK faces criticism at United Nations for its migration policies As per Reuters, the first flight under the deal was planned for June of last year, but it was blocked by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The strategy's legality was also challenged by a judicial review at the London High Court. The policy has been denounced by human rights groups and even reportedly by King Charles. The High Court subsequently ruled it lawful in December, however, opponents are seeking to appeal that verdict. The legal battle is expected to end up in the UK Supreme Court and hence may get delayed for months. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Enough is enough,' UK set to introduce new law to crack down on illegal migrants

The London High Court&nbsp;on Monday ruled that a controversial British government plan to deport migrants to&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;is lawful, after charities and asylum-seekers thwarted flights through legal challenges.&nbsp;

After the court's ruling, Rwanda&nbsp;Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo told AFP, "We welcome this decision and stand ready to offer asylum seekers and migrants safety and the opportunity to build a new life in&nbsp;Rwanda."&nbsp;

Makolo described&nbsp;it as a "positive step" to solving the global migration crisis.&nbsp;

Under a deal struck in April under the then Boris Johnson government, the UK plans to send tens of thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda.&nbsp;

As per Reuters the first flight under the deal was planned for June this year but it was blocked by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The strategy's legality was also challenged by a judicial review at London High Court.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UK sees record migrant crossings despite Rwanda plan

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has staked his future on stopping the record number of migrants that arrive on Britain's shores in small boats. In one of his first major policy announcements, Sunak had set out a plan to clamp down on these illegal immigrants.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-rwanda-style-plans-to-deport-lankan-refugees-to-third-country-report-527849">UK's Rwanda-style plans to deport Lankan refugees to 'third country': Report</a>

The PM had expressed his desire to restart the flights in spite of opposition from other lawmakers, the United Nations and even the monarch King Charles.&nbsp;

However, the flights cannot be restarted straight away as further appeals could be filed challenging the verdict. Moreover, the ECHR injunction also bars any immediate&nbsp;deportations until a legal conclusion is reached in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-faces-criticism-at-united-nations-for-its-migration-policies-533031">UK faces criticism at United Nations for its migration policies</a>

As per polls, immigration has become a major issue in the UK, rising up to the position of the third most important issue for voters. This comes as the nation experiences a record 40,000 arrivals this year.&nbsp;

However, opponents of the policy have termed it inhumane as Rwanda the destination country has a shady human rights record, and asylum seekers, and their lawyers contest that the UK government's plans do not comply with human rights conventions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The London High Court on Monday ruled that a controversial British government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda is lawful, after charities and asylum-seekers thwarted flights through legal challenges.

The London High Court on Monday ruled that a controversial British government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda is lawful, after charities and asylum-seekers thwarted flights through legal challenges. After the court's ruling, Rwanda Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo told AFP, "We welcome this decision and stand ready to offer asylum seekers and migrants safety and the opportunity to build a new life in Rwanda." Makolo described it as a "positive step" to solving the global migration crisis. Under a deal struck in April under the then Boris Johnson government, the UK plans to send tens of thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda. As per Reuters the first flight under the deal was planned for June this year but it was blocked by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The strategy's legality was also challenged by a judicial review at London High Court. Watch | UK sees record migrant crossings despite Rwanda plan Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has staked his future on stopping the record number of migrants that arrive on Britain's shores in small boats. In one of his first major policy announcements, Sunak had set out a plan to clamp down on these illegal immigrants. Also read | UK's Rwanda-style plans to deport Lankan refugees to 'third country': Report The PM had expressed his desire to restart the flights in spite of opposition from other lawmakers, the United Nations and even the monarch King Charles. However, the flights cannot be restarted straight away as further appeals could be filed challenging the verdict. Moreover, the ECHR injunction also bars any immediate deportations until a legal conclusion is reached in the country. Also read | UK faces criticism at United Nations for its migration policies As per polls, immigration has become a major issue in the UK, rising up to the position of the third most important issue for voters. This comes as the nation experiences a record 40,000 arrivals this year. However, opponents of the policy have termed it inhumane as Rwanda the destination country has a shady human rights record, and asylum seekers, and their lawyers contest that the UK government's plans do not comply with human rights conventions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

London court says government plan to deport migrants to Rwanda lawful

Britain is planning to send tens of thousands of asylum seekers to the East African country of Rwanda. United Kingdom’s move is to break people-smuggling networks, thereby stemming the flow of migrants across the English Channel.

Opposition MPs accused Johnson of trying to divert attention away from his fine for violating coronavirus lockdown guidelines, while human rights groups criticised the project as "inhumane."

"People fleeing war, conflict and persecution deserve compassion and empathy. They should not be traded like commodities and transferred abroad for processing," said Gillian Triggs, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection.

Announcing the plan on Thursday UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a speech in Kent, said "we must ensure that the only route to asylum in the UK is a safe and legal one."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mp-convicted-of-sexual-assault-against-teen-quits-to-focus-on-clearing-his-name-triggers-by-elections-471101" hreflang="en">UK MP convicted of sexual assault against teen quits to focus on clearing his name; triggers by-elections</a>

Johnson, who has been for quite some time has been embattled in the ‘partygate scandal’ has been facing pressure to deliver on his 2016 campaign promise to "take back control" of Britain's borders.

Labour Party’s Yvette Cooper, called the plan, "unworkable and unethical."

Watch |&nbsp;Britain hardens its migration policy, plans to send migrants to Rwanda

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Concerns were also expressed about Rwanda's human rights record, which even the British government highlighted last year.

Rwanda, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), violates some of the most basic human rights.

"Refugees have been abused in Rwanda and the government has, at times, kidnapped Rwandan refugees outside the country to bring them home to face trial and ill-treatment," said HRW's Central Africa director Lewis Mudge.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-asylum-seekers-relocation-to-rwanda-policy-attracts-sharp-criticism-471062">UK: Govt move to send asylum seekers to Rwanda leads to sharp criticism </a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Under this plan people who have arrived in the UK illegally since January 1&nbsp;can now be relocated to Rwanda.

"Those who try to jump the queue or abuse our systems will find no automatic path to set them up in our country, but rather be swiftly and humanely removed to a safe third country or their country of origin," said Johnson.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel signed the collaboration agreement in Kigali and on Thursday presented it at a joint news conference with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta.

The strategy will face legal hurdles, according to Johnson, but the alliance is "fully compliant" with international legal requirements.&nbsp;The British government would make a 120 million pound ($158 million) initial contribution.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain is planning to send tens of thousands of asylum seekers to the East African country of Rwanda. United Kingdom’s move is to break people-smuggling networks, thereby stemming the flow of migrants across the English Channel.

Britain is planning to send tens of thousands of asylum seekers to the East African country of Rwanda. United Kingdom’s move is to break people-smuggling networks, thereby stemming the flow of migrants across the English Channel. Opposition MPs accused Johnson of trying to divert attention away from his fine for violating coronavirus lockdown guidelines, while human rights groups criticised the project as "inhumane." "People fleeing war, conflict and persecution deserve compassion and empathy. They should not be traded like commodities and transferred abroad for processing," said Gillian Triggs, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection. Announcing the plan on Thursday UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a speech in Kent, said "we must ensure that the only route to asylum in the UK is a safe and legal one." Also read | UK MP convicted of sexual assault against teen quits to focus on clearing his name; triggers by-elections Johnson, who has been for quite some time has been embattled in the ‘partygate scandal’ has been facing pressure to deliver on his 2016 campaign promise to "take back control" of Britain's borders. Labour Party’s Yvette Cooper, called the plan, "unworkable and unethical." Watch | Britain hardens its migration policy, plans to send migrants to Rwanda Concerns were also expressed about Rwanda's human rights record, which even the British government highlighted last year. Rwanda, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), violates some of the most basic human rights. "Refugees have been abused in Rwanda and the government has, at times, kidnapped Rwandan refugees outside the country to bring them home to face trial and ill-treatment," said HRW's Central Africa director Lewis Mudge. Also read | UK: Govt move to send asylum seekers to Rwanda leads to sharp criticism Under this plan people who have arrived in the UK illegally since January 1 can now be relocated to Rwanda. "Those who try to jump the queue or abuse our systems will find no automatic path to set them up in our country, but rather be swiftly and humanely removed to a safe third country or their country of origin," said Johnson. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel signed the collaboration agreement in Kigali and on Thursday presented it at a joint news conference with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta. The strategy will face legal hurdles, according to Johnson, but the alliance is "fully compliant" with international legal requirements. The British government would make a 120 million pound ($158 million) initial contribution. (With inputs from agencies)

Boris Johnson's distraction plan: Forget partygate, let's 'take back control' of UK borders