First Rwanda refugee flight cleared for take-off with High Court backing

PRITI Patel’s bid to fix the broken asylum system received a major boost yesterday as a High Court judge ruled the first flight to Rwanda can take off on Tuesday.

- Michael Knowles

Two campaign groups – Detention Action and Care4Calais – had joined the PCS union and four asylum seekers in legal action against the Home Office.

Mr Justice Jonathan Swift said it was in the public interest that the Home Secretary could “implement immigration control measures”.

However, campaigners were last night granted permission to challenge his ruling.

The appeal will be heard at the Court of Appeal on Monday.

Under the scheme, those entering the UK illegally will be flown to Rwanda where they can apply for asylum.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Welcome news from the High Court today.

“We cannot allow people traffickers to put lives at risk, and our world-leading partnership will help break the business model of these ruthless criminals.”

Ms Patel vowed to fight any other challenges, adding: “Rwanda is a safe country.”