UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has suffered a major setback as two deputy chairs of the ruling Conservative party have resigned, following their vote in favor of hardline amendments that were opposed by the Prime Minister.
Sunak defended the proposed bill, emphasizing its necessity to prevent Rwanda from withdrawing in case the UK breaches international law. The bill, central to Sunak’s electoral strategy, aims to reduce the influx of migrants entering the UK illegally by sending some asylum-seekers to Rwanda for claim processing.
The divisive policy has become a focal point for the Conservative party’s internal conflicts, with moderates deeming it too extreme and the right-wing faction arguing that it doesn’t go far enough.
The United Nations’ refugee agency expressed concerns, stating that the Rwanda plan “is not compatible with international refugee law.” Opposition parties, including the Labour Party and the Scottish National Party, have voiced their opposition to the bill.
Two deputy chairmen of the Conservative Party, Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith, dealt a blow to Sunak by supporting amendments aimed at limiting asylum-seekers’ avenues of appeal against deportation to Rwanda.
Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, part of the Conservative right-wing rebels, emphasized the need for robust action to act as a deterrent for prospective migrants. Over 60 Tory lawmakers, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, are pushing for tougher legislation, with some indicating they may vote against the bill if it is not strengthened.
The bill’s crucial third reading in the House of Commons is scheduled for Wednesday, and the outcome will determine the fate of Sunak’s “stop the boats” pledge, specifically targeting unauthorized migrants crossing the English Channel from France. In the year ending June 2023, the UK detected 52,530 irregular migrants entering, marking a 17% increase from the previous year, with 85% arriving via small boats. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges Sunak faces in unifying his party and implementing the controversial Rwanda plan.
