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French President Emmanuel Macron denounces UK’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda as “cynical” and a betrayal of European values. The controversial scheme, which aims to deter migrants from reaching the UK in small boats, has sparked an international row.

Macron criticizes the plan as “ineffective” and warns against creating a “geopolitics of cynicism” by outsourcing asylum responsibilities to third countries. Despite the backlash, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defends the policy, stating it is compliant with international obligations and necessary to address the ongoing migrant crisis.

The UK government faces legal challenges and criticism from various quarters, including the United Nations, over the plan. However, Home Secretary James Cleverly defends the partnership with Rwanda, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in addressing migration issues.

The debate highlights broader tensions within the EU, with Macron calling for greater integration and defense cooperation to counter external threats. As the EU prepares for strategic decisions post-elections, Macron’s speech at the Sorbonne University sets the stage for a crucial period of European policymaking.

The international dispute underscores the complex challenges of migration management and the divergent approaches taken by European leaders. As the UK moves forward with its controversial plan, the repercussions of this decision are likely to reverberate across the continent.