Robert Jenrick quits over rejection of demands to opt out of European Convention of Human Rights rules
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is caught in a Tory civil war as his immigration minister, Robert Jenrick, resigns over the Prime Minister's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. Jenrick claims that the plan is too weak and argues that the UK should opt out of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) rules. Sunak's refusal to do so has led to Jenrick's resignation, sparking a political controversy within the Conservative Party.
"Unite or die": PM defends emergency immigration legislation
In response to the resignation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson calls on the Tory party to "unite or die". He defends the emergency immigration legislation, claiming that it is the "toughest immigration legislation ever" introduced in the UK. Johnson argues that the new measures will "disapply" some human rights laws in Rwanda asylum cases, with the aim of preventing legal challenges in British courts. However, the bill does not automatically override the ECHR.
Jenrick's resignation statement
Shortly after the planned law was published, Robert Jenrick issued a resignation statement, criticizing the proposed bill and expressing his concerns. He states that the bill is a "triumph of hope over experience" and argues that stronger protections are needed to avoid legal challenges that could paralyze the asylum scheme. Jenrick, who was once a loyal supporter of Sunak, adds that he refuses to make promises on immigration that he cannot keep.
PM defends the plan and accuses Jenrick of misunderstanding
Prime Minister Johnson responds to Jenrick's resignation by expressing his disappointment and accusing him of a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation. Johnson insists that both he and Jenrick agree on the goal of stopping illegal migration and getting flights to Rwanda. He argues that the government's experience gives them confidence that the plan will work.
Fears of legal appeals and electoral consequences
There are concerns that the proposed immigration package may not be effective in preventing individuals from lodging legal appeals. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman warns that the Conservative Party could face "electoral oblivion" if Sunak does not take control of the issue of illegal migration. Braverman argues that it is a question of "who governs Britain".
Uncertainty over breaking ECHR law
Despite the government's insistence that the new legislation does not breach the ECHR, the new Home Secretary, James Cleverly, cannot guarantee that it will not be seen as breaking the international law.
