The Government of Rwanda has issued a statement on the UK's migrant deal, snubbing former Home Secretary Suella Braverman's previous refugee plan.

It said it would have dropped out of the deal if the UK were not to act "lawfully".

It comes after Rishi Sunak snubbed the European Court of Human Rights, in new legislation aimed at getting the Rwanda scheme off the ground.

"It has always been important to both Rwanda and the UK... to act lawfully. Without lawful behaviour by the UK, Rwanda would not be able to continue with the Migration and Economic Development Partnership,” the Rwandan government said.

They continued: "It has always been important to both Rwanda and the UK that our rule of law partnership meets the highest standards of international law, and it places obligations on both the UK and Rwanda to act lawfully.

"Without lawful behaviour by the UK, Rwanda would not be able to continue with the Migration and Economic Development Partnership.”

The new Bill, published this evening, says the UK parliament "is sovereign", noting that "the validity of an Act is unaffected by international law".

It also disapplies parts of the Human Rights Act, preventing it from getting in the way of sending migrants to Rwanda.

In a statement at the start of the legislation, Home Secretary James Cleverly said the Bill is not compatible with the ECHR.

He said: "I am unable to make a statement that, in my view, the provisions of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill are compatible with the Convention rights, but the Government nevertheless wishes the House to proceed with the Bill."

The law also states that Rwanda is "safe country".