REFUGEE groups from across Cumbria have condemned the "uncaring" newly passed Rwanda deportation plan. 

The Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, despite prolonged disagreements causing extensive debate between parliamentary chambers, was eventually ratified early Tuesday morning.

The government asserts that any asylum seeker arriving in the UK "illegally" after January 1, 2022, from a safe nation like France, may face deportation to Rwanda.

With the Bill passing, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said flights to Rwanda would take off within 10 to 12 weeks. 

Just hours after the Bill passed, five people including a child died while attempting to cross the English Channel. 

Cumbrian MPs who voted for the Bill include John Stevenson, Mark Jenkinson, Dr Neil Hudson, Trudy Harrison and Simon Fell. 

Mark Jenkinson MP said: "The unacceptable and unsustainable numbers of migrants coming into Britain illegally over the English Channel is among the most common complaints in my inbox.

"This is a hard-fought victory for common sense."

He went on to state that the legislation is "a critical milestone in the Conservative Government’s efforts to take back control of our borders.... Ultimately, this legislation will help prevent further loss of life," he said. 

Lib Dem MP, Tim Farron voted against it, adopting a similar stance to Carlisle Lib Dem campaigner Brian Wernham who stressed the policy is "completely unethical and unworkable", whilst also bringing attention to the failure of the bill to provide exemptions for Afghan translators. 

James Cartwright, chair of Carlisle Refugee Action Group, said: "On a day when, yet again, lives have been needlessly lost in The Channel we deplore the unthinking, uncaring and futile Rwanda scheme."

He emphasised that the policy was putting people at a greater risk of exploitation once they arrive.

"We hope that the courts will continue to defend the human rights of those under the shadow of this scheme, which by extension helps to uphold all our human rights," he said. 

Sarah Wilson, director of the Penrith Eden Refugee Network, echoed his sentiments.

She pointed out that the passing of the ‘Safety of Rwanda Act’ is a "deeply sad moment in the history of the UK.

"The Rwanda scheme betrays who we are as a country where refugees have always been welcomed.

"It is unworkable, expensive, and puts those seeking safety in danger.

"It breaks international law.

"We want a new plan for refugees – one that is fair, kind and gets the system working again, for everyone," she said.