A COURT is due to rule today on whether the government’s Rwanda deportation policy is illegal.

Refugee groups gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice this morning in anticipation of the judgement.

The legal challenge is based on the argument that Rwanda is not a safe country and the deportations breach international treaties.

Before the former Home Secretary Priti Patel introduced the policy, three quarters of Rwandans had their asylum claims approved by Britain.

The central African country, which has a population density higher than Britain, is beset with unemployment, political oppression, human trafficking and is engaging in conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo which threatens to spill over.

Patel’s policy, which has been endorsed by her successor Suella Braverman, involves asylum seekers – wherever they come from – who arrive in Britain ‘illegally’ to be permanently sent to Rwanda with the expectation they will start a new life there.

The government’s first attempt to fly a plane to Rwanda in June failed to get off the ground when courts took all 50 people off the flight on legal grounds.A second attempt by the government was abandoned weeks after it was announced.

Earlier this year, a host of stars including rapper Akala, and Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh signed an open letter to the government urging a change of policy.

The judgement, from two law lords Jonathan Swift and Clive Lewis, are expected to come as early as 10.30am.

Britain says the Rwanda deportation strategy will help deter migrants from making the perilous trip across the Channel, and will smash the business model of people-smuggling networks.