By Oyintari Ben
An airline that had been contracted to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda has ceased operations as a result of protesters’ response.
Under former PM Boris Johnson’s divisive immigration policy, the government attempted to remove people from the nation in June by using a jet operated by Privilege Style.
But after legal issues, the flight was grounded at the last minute.
Following a campaign from anti-torture organizations and refugee organizations, the Spanish charter airline has officially stated it won’t undertake any more such trips.
It made the following clarification in a statement to PA: “It’s important for us to make it clear that we will never operate the flight to Rwanda since the one scheduled for June 2022, which was the subject of this controversy, was suspended and never flew; that we will not operate flights to Rwanda in the future.
The organization that oversaw the campaign, Freedom from Torture, reported receiving a letter from the airline outlining the decision and requesting that the organisation immediately stop “activities against our brand.”
Kolbassia Haoussou, who fled torture in central Africa and now works for the organization, hailed the development as a “win for people power” after individuals “stood up against the UK government’s horrific “cash for persons” Rwanda project.”
He continued, “With Privilege Style leaving, the Government’s shady Rwanda deal is breaking apart; whoever succeeds Liz Truss as Prime Minister should put an end to this terrible scheme once and for all.
The announcement raises concerns about whose airline would be employed to run the flights, assuming they proceed.
According to reports, Titan Airways and AirTanker, two other charter airlines that had previously operated deportation flights, have already excluded themselves from the plan.
The Government is still “committed” to the Rwanda policy, according to the Home Office, which claimed it does not comment on “operational issues.”
