Rwanda takes legal action against UK over axed migrant deal

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete January 27, 2026 at 04:17 PM

AI Summary

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Rwanda has initiated legal action against the UK at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Netherlands, seeking payments it claims are owed from a scrapped migrant deal. The deal, established by the previous UK Conservative government, involved the UK paying Rwanda to host asylum seekers. After the Labour Party won the 2024 election, Prime Minister Keir Starmer cancelled the agreement, halting future payments. The UK Home Office stated that £220 million in scheduled payments would not be paid, while Rwanda argues the UK is failing to honor its commitments. Rwanda seeks a legal determination of both countries' obligations under the treaty, which included a clause allowing either party to terminate the agreement.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Michael Butera 30% Labour Party 40% Netherlands 40% New Times ×240% Conservative government ×250% Permanent Court of Arbitration 60% Sir Keir Starmer ×270% Home Office ×370% Rwanda ×1190% UK ×790%

Keywords

migrant deal 100% rwanda 90% uk 90% legal action 80% arbitration 70% payments 70% asylum seekers 60% treaty 50% home office 50% conservative government 40%