The Secretary of State for the United Kingdom Government, Chris Philp, ignited a debate during a recent BBC Question Time session by making remarks that appeared to conflate Rwanda with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
During the televised session where UK government officials field questions from the public, a British citizen originally from the DRC raised concerns about a new UK government law regarding the deportation of individuals back to Rwanda, including those seeking asylum.
In response, Minister Philp, who oversees policing matters, seemingly questioned whether Rwanda and the DRC are distinct countries, prompting some confusion among viewers. His interlocutor later clarified that Philp’s query appeared to be rhetorical.
The discussion centered on a proposed UK law concerning Rwanda, which has advanced to its second reading. The legislation suggests that individuals seeking asylum in the UK could potentially be returned to Rwanda, provided they originate from a country with direct flights to the UK.
The exchange brought attention to the ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the DRC, with the attendee from the DRC mentioning recent border tensions and accusing Rwanda of supporting rebel groups, an allegation the Rwandan government denies.
Philp’s comments drew reactions from various political figures, with Wes Streeting, a Labour politician, expressing skepticism, and Sarah Olney, a Liberal Democrat, criticizing the government’s handling of the situation.
Following the session, Philp clarified his remarks, emphasizing that individuals facing questioning would not necessarily be sent back to Rwanda. The UK Government Ministry assured that each case would be reviewed individually, with individuals at risk spared from deportation to Rwanda.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Vincent Biruta, reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to supporting individuals fleeing conflict, including those from neighboring countries like the DRC, Burundi, Uganda, or Tanzania, who may seek asylum in Rwanda.
Philp’s comments have sparked debate over UK immigration policies and raised concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers from conflict-afflicted regions.
