The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Head of Kirk deplores UK’ s Rwanda plan
The UK Government has been accused of “dishonouring God” by sending asylum seekers fleeing conflict to Rwanda, the Church of Scotland’s moderator has said.
Dunfermline minister the Rev Dr Iain Greenshields said the new Nationality and Borders Act makes life extremely difficult for vulnerable people seeking safety in Britain.
The Westminster government announced its asylum plan to send refugees who cross the English Channel to the African nation in April.
It was hoped the plans would deter others from crossing the Channel illegally.
However, a flight containing seven people was halted minutes before take-off on Tuesday by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has said the UK Government will not be “deterred” from progressing with the policy, with future flights already planned.
Dr Greenshields, who preaches at St Margaret’s Church in the Fife town, said forcing asylum seekers to go to Rwanda on a oneway ticket was an “unspeakable disgrace and a stain on our nation”.
He said: “As people flee oppression, violence, conflict and war, many unfortunately do not find the welcome or safe place they need.
“In the UK, the new Nationality and Borders Act 2022 threatens the very principle of refugee protection and offers protection on the grounds of how people arrive in the UK, rather than the war, terror and persecution a person may be fleeing from.
“The trajectory to create a web of hostile policies to make life as difficult as possible for those seeking protection continues.
“This is an unspeakable disgrace and a stain on our nation. Our UK Government is putting up barriers to prevent people finding the peace and safety they need, and robs them of the opportunity to contribute their skills and experience and to rebuild their lives.
“People now face the prospect of transportation to Rwanda.”
His comments come ahead of Refugee Week, which is from June 20 to 26.
The church moderator has now urged the UK Government to have a “change of heart” on the immigration policy.
He added: “They may feel their policy to be just and right, but they dishonour God by their inaction, lack of compassion and disgraceful attempted solution to this critical situation.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the plans would allow those arriving in the UK “dangerously” to be relocated to “build their lives” in Rwanda.
She added: “This will help break the people smugglers’ business model and prevent loss of life, while ensuring protection for the genuinely vulnerable.”