Legal setback – first asylum seeker flight from UK to Rwanda is cancelled

The UK is toying with the idea of withdrawing from the European Human Rights framework

This follows a court ruling blocking a flight from leaving the UK with 7 reported refugees on board while the plane was on the tarmac

The British Home Secretary has vowed to “push ahead’ with deportation flights to Rwanda – in face of the delays

It was the United Kingdom’s new asylum seeker policy to deport those it deemed illegal who had crossed the English Channel in unseaworthy boats

To be deported to Rwanda – a small landlocked country in the middle of Africa.

But a last minute ruling from the European court of human rights saw the inaugural flight blocked from leaving the UK, just minutes before taking off with 7 reported refugees on board.

In response – a Downing Street spokesperson has said that “all options are on the table” including the possibility that the UK might withdraw from the European Court of Human rights.

Meanwhile, the Home Secretary, Priti Patel – said the UK vows to continue with deportations.

While the government says the plan deters migrants from making journeys across the English Channel in unsafe boats and disrupts the business model of people smugglers.

Critics of the plan say that it ranges from unethical to unworkable.

The UK has, even as recently as last year said there are concerns over allegations of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and torture in Rwanda.

While the UK has indicated it is toying with the idea of leaving he European Court of Human Rights – it should be noted that the EHCR is not the same thing as the EU.

The United Kingdom remains a member of the more than 45 members.

Also, membership of the European Court of Human Rights also underpins aspects of the Good Friday peace agreement as well as elements of the Brexit treaty.