Tory Law Move To Save 'Cruel' Rwanda Plans

Patel fights for change on slavery legislation

- Pippa Crerar And Dan Bloom

PRITI Patel plans to overhaul modern slavery laws to stop them being used to block refugees being deported to Rwanda.

The Home Secretary is expected to appoint an independent reviewer of the system pioneered by her predecessor Theresa May. The top Tory is said to be angry that refugees she wants to force to the African country under a new asylum scheme are using it to prevent their departure.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper slammed the plans, she said: “The fact that Priti Patel plans to send even victims of torture and trafficking to Rwanda shows that this Government’s claims to protect the vulnerable or stand up against modern slavery are just totally false.

“This policy is unworkable, unethical, and extortionately expensive and will increase criminal gangs trafficking and smuggling.”