The United Kingdom has successfully avoided paying Rwanda millions of pounds following the collapse of an asylum deal, according to a ruling by an international court.

The agreement, originally signed by the previous Conservative government, would have seen the UK pay Rwanda to host asylum seekers who arrived illegally in Britain.The Rwandan government sought over £100 million, claiming the UK had breached the terms of the agreement.

However, lawyers representing the UK argued during the three-day hearing in the Netherlands that it was 'entirely logical' for the scheme to be cancelled when the Labour government took office under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.They maintained that, under 'simple common sense', no further payments were due following the cancellation.The ruling confirms that the UK has no financial obligations to Rwanda regarding this failed agreement.

This case has drawn attention due to the controversial nature of the original plan, which faced criticism for its approach to handling asylum seekers.

The decision marks a significant legal and political outcome, reinforcing the authority of the new administration's decision to abandon the scheme without incurring substantial financial penalties.