Boris Johnson Reveals Plan to Send Asylum Seekers to Rwanda
- U.K. premier says he expects criticism, challenge in courts
- Move comes with Johnson under pressure over ‘partygate’ fine
Boris Johnson
Photographer: Chris J. Ratcliffe/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Boris Johnson revealed a controversial plan to send asylum seekers who cross the English Channel to Rwanda, a one-way ticket that the U.K. prime minister said will face significant legal hurdles as he tries to position his government on a flash-point political issue.
Migrants who come to Britain on small boats risk being sent to the African state, Johnson said in a speech on Thursday. The measure, which is a major shift in approach, is designed to deter people from making the dangerous crossing, he said. About 28,000 did so last year.