THE first deportation flights to Rwanda could be delayed until at least September after a legal action challenging the policy next week was adjourned. 

Campaigners today welcomed the High Court’s decision to postpone their judicial review over the legality of the scheme.

Home Secretary Priti Patel had vowed to press on with a second flight despite the ongoing legal challenge, which was due to be heard next Tuesday but has been postponed to September 5. 

But reports in the Independent and the Times claim that the Home Office will not attempt more Rwanda deportations before the hearing and the result of Tory leadership race, which will also be announced on September 5.

The first planned flight to the east African country on June 14 was cancelled.

Many of those who were booked onto that flight remain in detention while dozens more have been detained in recent weeks, according to charities in touch with those facing deportation to Rwanda. 

Clare Mosely, the founder of Care4Calais, one of the groups bringing the judicial review, said that she was “incredibly relieved” by reports the flights will be delayed. 

The group, along with charity Detention Action and union PCS, argue that the policy is unlawful. The three organisations had requested the court delay the case to give them more time to prepare. 

Also welcoming the postponement, PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “This is a serious matter that has potentially grave consequences for all concerned. It therefore requires the most careful scrutiny.”

Amnesty International UK refugee and migrant rights director Steve Valdez-Symonds said that it was a “welcome delay,” but said that the Tories “ought not to be spending so much court and public resources on pursuing this dreadful policy” in the first place.