Rishi Sunak said on Friday (1) that he had conversations with President Paul Kagame concerning plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda as he finalises his response to the block on the policy in the London Supreme Court.
Sunak's government has said it is working on a new treaty with Rwanda, as well as new domestic legislation, after the UK's top judges ruled the policy unlawful last month.
Asked by reporters what he discussed with Kagame on the sidelines of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, Sunak said he was "confident" about his government's proposals but the two leaders wanted to get the details of the scheme right.
"We're finalising the arrangements we have with them. It was good to check in with him on that, and reiterate... our commitment to making the partnership work," Sunak said at a press conference.
"Paul and I have forged a very strong relationship over this issue. He's keen to work very constructively with us."
Sunak said he would present the new proposals to parliament and the public "soon" without giving a specific timeframe.
The Super Court on November 15 rejected the British government's appeal against an earlier ruling that migrants could not be sent to Rwanda because it could not be considered a safe third country.
The ruling represented a significant blow to Sunak who is expected to call an election next year.
(Reuters)
Dharavi slum in Mumbai
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)