In a critical juncture for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the future of his flagship Rwanda Bill hangs in the balance, triggering a clash between opposing Tory factions. As the left and right convene to evaluate the legislation aimed at revitalizing the asylum policy, the stakes are high for Sunak’s leadership.
Rishi Sunak faces a pivotal moment in his premiership as the fate of the Rwanda Bill, pivotal to his asylum policy, is contested by two Tory factions. The European Research Group and hardline Brexiteers on the right convene to scrutinize the legislation’s efficacy, while the One Nation Conservatives from the moderate wing deliberate separately. As the Prime Minister navigates a divided party, he simultaneously contends with the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, where questions about his controversial Eat Out to Help Out scheme loom.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps defends the Rwanda scheme, emphasizing its potential to deter asylum seekers crossing the English Channel. Despite criticisms, the government asserts that only a fraction of cases will pass through once the Bill becomes law. The proposed legislation grants the power to disapply the Human Rights Act, aiming to label Rwanda as a “safe” country and prevent legal challenges to deportations.
However, concerns linger among Tories, with some advocating for more radical measures, while moderates question the legal implications. The Home Office allocates £700 million to manage migrant arrivals until 2030, raising questions about the scheme’s effectiveness. The government plans to counter critics with Home Office modeling suggesting a 99.5% failure rate for legal challenges by asylum seekers.
Tuesday marks the crucial vote on the legislation, and Sunak urges Conservative unity. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick opposes the Bill, hinting at abstention and later amendments. A defeat, though historically rare at this stage, could significantly undermine the Prime Minister’s authority.
RwandaBill #ToryTurmoil #AsylumPolicy #LegalDebates #SunaksShowdown #HumanRightsAct #UKPolitics
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