The government’s controversial Rwanda bill has finally become law after it received royal assent today.
The scheme, which seeks to deport asylum seekers arriving in the UK via small boats to Rwanda, was passed by parliament this week following a series of setbacks and delays.
Rishi Sunak has promised the first flights will take off in “10 to 12 weeks” – “come what may”.
The Lord Speaker has told the House of Lords that the bill had received royal assent – the process by which the King agrees to make the bill into an Act of Parliament and therefore law.
The legislation, now known as the Safety of Rwanda Act, was passed earlier this week after the House of Lords agreed to back down from its opposition to the legislation in deference to the elected Commons chamber.
Royal assent paves the way for deportation flights to get off the ground – but does mean there will not be further obstacles in the form of legal challenges.
