Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks during the London Defense Conference, at King's College, in central London, on May 23, 2023.
The Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that the British government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful, dealing a setback to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's campaign to stop migrants crossing the Channel in small boats.
Three senior appeal judges ruled by a majority that Rwanda could not be treated as a safe third country.
Under a deal struck last year, the government planned to send tens of thousands of asylum seekers who arrive on its shores more than 4,000 miles (6,400 km) to the East African country.
In December, the High Court ruled the policy was lawful, but that decision was challenged by asylum seekers from several countries such as Syria, Iraq and Iran, along with human rights organizations.
Persons:
Rishi Sunak, Rishi Sunak's, Ian Burnett, Burnett, Suella
Organizations:
Britain's, London Defense Conference, King's College, European, of Human Rights, Court, Conservative Party, Home
Locations:
London, Rwanda, East, Britain, Syria, Iraq, Iran