Sunak promised that he believed flights to deport migrants to Rwanda could start as soon as Spring, although a recent defeat in the House of Lords has thwarted the Prime Minister’s hopes.
House of Lords Defeats Government
The House of Lords has once again rejected several aspects of the government’s Rwanda bill, causing a huge blow to the Prime Minister’s plans to get flights in the air by Spring.
Proposed Amendments
Seven more proposed changes were passed by Tory peers that will delay legislation until after the Easter holidays, as Sunak’s two-year-long fight for flights drags on.
Sunak’s Promise in Speech
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to a crowd in Coventry recently, assuring them that he was focusing on getting migrants on flights to Rwanda this Spring.
Prime Minister’s Spring Goals Thwarted
According to Sunak during the speech, the Prime Minister is “still committed to the timeline that I set out previously, which is we aim to get a flight off in the spring.”
Rwanda as a “Deterrent”
The passing of new legislation means that Sunak’s plans of using Rwanda as a “deterrent” to stop organized crime gangs from people smuggling will be delayed.
UK Sees Influx In Migrants
Meanwhile, as Lords continue to debate the safety of Rwanda and whether the proposal is lawful, thousands of migrants enter the country via small boats each month.
Largest Migrant Influx for 24 Hour Period
Just recently, the UK saw the largest recorded amount of migrants enter the UK illegally, totaling 450 in 24 hours.
Stalled Deportation Flights
Deportation flights were halted due to concerns raised by the Supreme Court regarding potential human rights violations.
Starmer Slams Sunak’s Scheme
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the Prime Minister’s Rwanda scheme in the recent PMQs session in the House of Commons.
Labelling Rwanda Bill a “Gimmick”
Starmer repeatedly labelled the Rwanda bill as nothing more than a “gimmick” as Sunak tries to gain votes ahead of the upcoming general election, predicted to be scheduled for Autumn.
The Cost of Rwanda Bill
According to Starmer, “The Rwanda gimmick is going to cost the taxpayer £2 million for every one of the 300 people they deport.”
Rwanda Bill Falling Short
Starmer argued that the government only plans to send 300 migrants to Rwanda out of the thousands that enter the country each month, costing the taxpayer millions.
Taxpayer Pays the Price
Starmer put the price of the bill on the taxpayer down to the “cost of Tory chaos” revealing that “It is working people who are paying the price.”
Sunak’s Reputation “Denuded”
Labour peer, Shami Chakrabarti, argued that the recent defeats for Sunak in the House of Lords “leave his credibility even more denuded,” accusing Sunak of betting “his house” on the bill.
Badenoch Confirms Ousting Rumors
Reports of some Conservatives planning to oust the Prime Minister have been confirmed by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who claimed “one or two MPs” were looking at replacing the Prime Minister.
“Stop Messing Around”
Badenoch argued that those MPs who are looking at replacing Sunak with a “care-taker” Prime Minister should “stop messing around” and concentrate on supporting him.
Tory MPs Speak Out
Many Tory MPs have spoken out against the Prime Minister’s Rwanda bill, with some resigning from their posts in opposition.
Former Home Secretary’s Criticism
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman recently argued that Sunak’s Rwanda proposal “won’t work” and “won’t stop the boats” referring to Sunak’s campaign to stop migrants.
Low Tory Popularity
Jacob Rees-Mogg admitted that popularity is low, but argued: “The Conservative Party’s popularity fell before Rishi Sunak’s did.”
Rwanda Flights Delayed
With the Rwanda flights being delayed even further, the two-year process could even carry on into the general election, which Sunak is refusing to announce despite calls.
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The post Will Anyone Go to Rwanda? Latest Blow to Sunak’s Bill in House of Lords first appeared on Edge Media.
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