UK to send asylum seekers to Africa

Some asylum seekers will be flown to Rwanda to have their applications processed, under UK government plans.


Boris Johnson is set to unveil the plans later, before Home Secretary Priti Patel signs a migration deal with the African nation.


BBC home editor Mark Easton said the trial scheme would mean single men arriving in Britain via Channel crossings could be forcibly removed.


Refugee organisations have criticised the plans as cruel and urged a rethink.


Labour said the plan was "unworkable, unethical and extortionate" - and one designed to "distract" from Mr Johnson's fine for breaking Covid-19 laws.


The Liberal Democrats said the proposal would be expensive and ineffective.


The prime minister will announce plans to hand operational control of the Channel to the navy, break the business model of people-smuggling gangs, and deter people from risking the crossing.


The measures are part of the government's long-term plan to "take back control of illegal immigration" after Brexit, Mr Johnson will say.


While the number of people crossing the Channel in boats has increased, last year saw fewer people using other routes - such as by lorry - in part because of increased security at the Port of Calais