A government minister who visited Rwanda to see where the UK would send asylum seekers under a controversial scheme has disputed the Supreme Court's claims that the country is not safe. The highest court in the land ruled yesterday (November 15) that the plan to send some asylum seekers to the East African country is 'unlawful'.

Lord Reed, who delivered the judgment, said that there is a risk that some asylum seekers sent to Rwanda could face persecution if they are sent back to the country they fled. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he respected the result, but announced a new deal with Rwanda and plans for emergency legislation declaring it a safe country.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News today (November 16), Sir John Whittingdale, who is the Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, said that the government was 'disappointed' with the ruling, but still 'determined' to stop migrants arriving in the UK unlawfully on boats. The Conservative MP said he accepted the Supreme Court's ruling.

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However, he disputed claims that the country which he recently visited is not safe. He said: "I've been to Rwanda and I've seen the hostel where it's proposed for people to go. The idea that Rwanda is not a safe place, I dispute."

The Labour Party has criticised the government for "wasting" £140m on the Rwanda scheme so far. When asked whether this money would be better spent by supporting local councils which are struggling to house asylum seekers, Sir John said that reducing the number of people arriving in the UK would help relieve housing pressures.

As part of the government's plan to clear the backlog of asylum claims, 500 families and 2,000 individuals in Greater Manchester are expected to receive a decision on their application in the coming months. Once a decision is made on their claim, they are asked to leave their government-funded accommodation with as little as a week's notice.

The responsibility to house those who cannot find suitable accommodation or afford the ever-increasing cost of rent then falls on local councils. This means the number of people at risk of homelessness as a result of evictions from asylum accommodation will rise sharply - doubling or trebling in many boroughs, according to the GMCA.

The MP for Maldon in Essex said that he understands the pressure local authorities are facing as demand for housing continues to rise. He said: "I represent a constituency a long way from Manchester but the pressures are very similar.

"I'm personally aware of those pressures because I see it in my own area and I know that ministers are aware because I raise what's happening in my area with them."

Mr Sunak told the media at a press conference yesterday (November 15) that that the first flights sending asylum seekers to Rwanda should start next spring. Asked whether he believes this is realistic, Sir John said he 'hopes so'.