Home secretary Priti Patel planning 'league table' of nations for deportation deals

Home secretary Priti Patel is planning to create a ‘league table’ of nations based on how co-operative they are in accepting criminals and failed asylum seekers from the UK, according to reports.

The results within the table would then be used in talks with countries to pressure them to agree a returns deal.

Those who refuse to take back their own foreign criminals and illegal immigrations would then face sanctions.

The proposals are under consideration by the home secretary according to the Times newspaper.

It comes after criticism of the UK Government’s plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

A deportation flight to the East African nation was grounded following an intervention by the European Court of Human Rights.

Prince Charles was reported to have criticised the Rwanda policy, whilst the Archbishop of Canterbury said that it did not “stand the judgment of God.”

It was also condemned by religious leaders in Scotland, with Church of Scotland moderator, the Right Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields, accusing the UK Government of “dishonouring God”.

And the Archbishop of Glasgow, the Most Reverend William Nolan, said that he was “appalled” by the policy.

The scheme was defended by UK Government ministers, with foreign secretary Liz Truss having insisted that it was “completely legal” and “completely moral”.

Patel has also insisted that the Government will not be “deterred” from delivering on its plans for a “fairer” immigration system.

The home secretary argued that Rwanda is a safe country that has previously been recognised for providing a safe haven for refugees.