Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is facing a potential revolt from Conservative MPs over concerns that he will grant thousands of student visas to India as part of a trade deal. The two countries are expected to finalize an agreement in the coming weeks, which could open the doors for a significant increase in arrivals from India. This comes on top of the 606,000 people who came to the UK from India last year.
Fears Over Trade Deal Concessions
Insiders are worried that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has effectively agreed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demands in exchange for reducing tariffs on British goods and granting access to India's lucrative markets for the UK's service industry. Sunak is scheduled to travel to India for G20 meetings in two weeks and hopes to secure a trade deal with Modi before next year's elections in the UK.
Tory MPs Up in Arms
Tory MPs from the Red Wall and the New Conservative Group are furious about the potential increase in migrant numbers, which they view as a backdoor policy. This resentment is compounded by the already soaring numbers of people crossing the English Channel in small boats. One Tory source stated that Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, shares their concerns but sees the decision as ultimately the Prime Minister's.
Threats of Parliamentary Vote and Vote Strike
MPs are considering forcing a vote in Parliament over the trade deal, following the precedent set by last year's vote on the Australian trade agreement. Some MPs have even suggested that they might go on vote strike to protest against the high levels of migration, as they feel frustrated with the lack of a clear strategy to address the issue.
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