PCS reaction to High Court judgement on Rwanda deportation policy
Regardless of the legality of the government's Rwanda deportation policy, which has today been ruled as lawful by the High Court, it remains morally reprehensible and utterly inhumane and PCS calls on the Home Office to recognise that and abandon it.
We want the Home Office to abandon its hostile approach to refugees and to work with us to build a humane system that allows our members the time, space and resources to do their jobs properly.
From the proposed pushbacks manoeuvre, to Rwanda deportation, to the appalling conditions at Manston, the government’s approach has been a shambolic failure.
We were pleased to oppose the government's Channel pushback policy which led to its abandonment in the summer and that the Manston migrant processing centre was cleared after PCS legal threat because of the disgraceful conditions that refugees and our members had to endure recently.
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: “We’re disappointed the court hasn’t found in our favour in respect of the general legality of the policy, but we’re pleased that eight refugees have had their decisions quashed and will not be deported to Rwanda at this stage.
"The government's entire approach to Channel crossings has been morally reprehensible and utterly inhumane, displaying a total disregard for refugees and our members, who want to work in a system that is humane and fair, and that offers dignity and respect for refugees and workers alike.
“We’re reading what is a long and complex judgment and considering our position on a potential appeal.
“Regardless of the legality of the policy, it remains morally reprehensible and utterly inhumane and we call on the Home Office to recognise that and abandon it.
“The policy isn’t a deterrent. The only way to protect human life and prevent people from drowning in the Channel is to give them safe passage. PCS will continue our campaign to secure it.”