What's happened
French President Macron criticizes the UK's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, calling it a betrayal of European values. The UK's deportation bill has passed, with Prime Minister Sunak aiming to deter migrants from reaching the UK by sending them to Rwanda.
Why it matters
The criticism from Macron underscores the ethical concerns surrounding the UK's asylum plan and raises questions about the effectiveness and morality of such policies. The debate highlights the broader issue of migration management and the need for international cooperation in addressing asylum seekers' rights and safety.
What the papers say
The Independent reports Macron's denouncement of the UK's plan as 'cynical' and 'ineffective', emphasizing the importance of upholding European values. The Guardian covers Macron's speech, where he criticizes policies sending migrants to African countries, warning against overdependence on third countries for migration management.
How we got here
The UK's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda was first announced in 2022 as a measure to deter migrants from attempting dangerous crossings to the UK. The passing of the deportation bill signals the government's commitment to implementing this controversial policy, despite criticism from international bodies and leaders like Macron.
More on these topics
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.