Responding to the decision from the Supreme Court that the Government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, Dr Jan Wise, BMA medical ethics committee chair, said:

“Ever since it was first announced, the BMA openly opposed this appalling policy, leading the medical community’s demands for the Government to drop plans for a scheme that would be incredibly harmful for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

“Today’s decision from the Supreme Court is therefore welcome. It sends a strong message to the Government that this policy must be scrapped and not be used as a reason to pull Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights, which would have far-reaching consequences.

“The Government should now redirect its focus, replacing this inhumane plan with a compassionate, fair and effective asylum system that protects the health, wellbeing and dignity of people seeking safety.

“Doctors’ priority is protecting the health of people, regardless of their immigration status, and we will not stand by while callous policies actively put people’s health, wellbeing and safety in danger.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.