PM Faces Backlash
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has declared his intention to implement emergency legislation in order to proceed with deportation flights to Rwanda, after judges ruled the current plan illegal. The Prime Minister is under intense pressure from Conservative MPs to resolve the situation, with some warning that his leadership is at stake.
Controversial Plan
The plan, initially announced by former PM Boris Johnson in April 2022, has faced numerous legal challenges and has cost at least £140 million. The first flight to Rwanda was scheduled for June 2022 but was cancelled following intervention by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
New Treaty
Sunak intends to negotiate a new treaty with Rwanda in the coming weeks, ensuring that the country promises not to deport anyone arriving from Britain. This guarantee will then be enshrined in UK law in order to satisfy the judges. However, this means that the deportation flights will remain grounded for several more months.
Fierce Opposition
Many Conservative MPs are urging Sunak to ignore the ECHR and proceed with the flights regardless. Some are calling for emergency legislation to overrule the Human Rights Act. Sacked Home Secretary Suella Braverman argued that effective immigration control cannot be achieved within the current legal framework and called for new legislation.
Existential Crisis
There are concerns that the court ruling could have severe consequences for the Conservative Party. Co-chair of the New Conservatives group, Danny Kruger, stated that the judgment could spell the end of the party, as it goes against their promise to stop migrant boats and take control of the borders.
The Way Forward
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, the PM emphasized the court's support for the principle of sending illegal migrants to a third country. The government is already working on a strengthened treaty with Rwanda to ensure settled status for all asylum seekers deported there. However, there are concerns about Rwanda's human rights record and media freedom.
Labour's Criticism
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer took the opportunity to criticize the PM, claiming that the central pillar of his government has collapsed.
