Rishi Sunak’s controversial £1,000 bet with Piers Morgan over Rwanda deportation flights, which he has since reneged on, has ignited political backlash and underscored the contentious nature of the UK’s immigration policies ahead of the general election. Here’s the full story.
Highly Controversial
In a highly controversial move, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a high-profile bet with TalkTV host Piers Morgan in February, who challenged Sunak to a wager: £1,000 to a refugee charity if Sunak could not get asylum seekers on flights to Rwanda before the upcoming general election.
Bet Accepted
Sunak, who wanted to show confidence in his government’s contentious deportation scheme, which has been ruled illegal by the UK’s High Court, accepted the bet.
“I Am Working Incredibly Hard”
While shaking hands with Piers Morgan, Sunak told him, “I want to get the people on the planes. I am working incredibly hard to get people on the planes.”
“Grim Prediction”
Morgan seemed unconvinced, replying, “I do not think it’s going to work for you. That’s my grim prediction.”
Avalanche of Criticism
At the time, the move was met with an avalanche of criticism, with the SNP’s Stephen Flynn writing online “The lives of some of the most vulnerable people on the planet reduced to a crude bet. It’s just a game to these people. Depraved.”
“Words Fail Me”
Caroline Lucas, the UK’s lone Green MP, told the Independent, “Words fail me that the prime minister and Piers Morgan can be so callous about the awful Rwanda policy that they place a bet on it.”
“These Are People’s Lives”
She continued, “These are people’s lives they’re gambling over. Yet Sunak thinks nothing of casually agreeing to a £1k bet. He’s supposed to be the head of government, not a punter in a casino. This is a new low in our politics.”
Further Lows
However, just when it seems that British politics has reached a new low, it can always reach further lows.
Sunak Concedes
Following his announcement of a snap election for July 4th, Sunak conceded that the illegal deportation flights to Rwanda would not occur before the election.
Morgan Claims Victory
This admission was a significant blow to Sunak’s campaign and gave Morgan the evidence to claim victory on the bet.
“Please Send £1000 to British Red Cross”
Morgan took to social media to goad the Prime Minister, writing online, “Dear Prime Minister … following your admission today that no flights will take off to Rwanda before the election, please send £1000 to @BritishRedCross – Kind regards, Piers.”
One Lone Asylum Seeker
However, in response to Morgan’s claims, Downing Street pointed out that one single, solitary asylum seeker had been flown to Rwanda voluntarily under a scheme which offered failed asylum seekers £3,000 to move.
“Flights Off With Us”
A Downing Street insider told the Telegraph, “The choice is flights off with us, flights grounded and an amnesty for illegal migrants under Labour.”
“A Serious Issue”
They continued, “We’re going to get the flights going. This is a serious issue about the security of our country.”
Bet Backlash
The backlash to Sunak reneging on the bet was almost as swift as his accepting of the bet in the first place, with opposition figures jumping on his apparent untrustworthiness.
“What’s a Grand to Rishi?”
In an interview with the Mirror, Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner asked, “What’s a grand to Rishi?” He’s richer than the King now, apparently. He should give it to charity.”
“3 Seconds of Interest”
She continued, “Just give some money to the Red Cross, it might help his ratings at the minute. That’s probably about 3 seconds of interest.”
£310 Million
The Rwanda deportation scheme, which has already cost the UK government approximately £310 million, remains a controversial and divisive policy.
Legal Challenges
The initiative aims to deter illegal immigration by relocating asylum seekers to Rwanda, a plan that has faced legal challenges and significant opposition.
Inhumane and Ineffective
Sunak and his supporters argue that it is a necessary measure to control illegal immigration and maintain national security, while opponents argue it is inhumane and ineffective.
“How Many Billions?”
Rayner stated, “The fact that the PM has come out in the last 24 hours saying no flights will take off, and we’ve had commitments all along about Rwanda as their flagship programme… How many billions, how much money has already gone? And all we’ve sent over is a few Home Secretaries so far.”
“A Gimmick”
She continued, “That is so scandalous. It is so transparently a gimmick. Keir will not put the Rwanda scheme in place, because it is a gimmick. It’s less than 1% of the people arriving.”
Broader Debates
As the election approaches, the Rwanda flights bet serves as a microcosm of the broader debates surrounding immigration and political accountability.
Restoring Credibility
For Sunak, the challenge is not just about a £1,000 bet but about restoring credibility and demonstrating effective leadership amidst ongoing political and humanitarian crises.
Where’s My Money?
Whether or not the Conservative Party can recover from this misstep and convince voters of their policies’ efficacy, and whether the Red Cross will ever receive Sunak’s £1,000, remains to be seen.
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The post Labour Slams Sunak’s Callous Bet With Piers Morgan Over Rwanda Flights first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.