Minister's Resignation Plunges Government into Chaos
Robert Jenrick has resigned as Immigration Minister, delivering a major blow to Rishi Sunak just hours after the Chancellor unveiled emergency legislation aimed at facilitating deportation flights to Rwanda. The government was thrown into disarray as Jenrick, a prominent figure on the right, disagreed with the Prime Minister's plan for dealing with illegal migrants.
Jenrick's Demands for Opt-Out of European Human Rights Laws Rejected
Jenrick wanted the new Rwanda Bill to include an opt-out clause from European human rights laws, but his proposal was rejected by Sunak. In his resignation letter, Jenrick expressed his belief that the proposed legislation would not offer the best chance of success, stating that it relied too heavily on hope rather than experience. He argued that stronger protections were needed in order to avoid legal challenges that could undermine the scheme and its intended deterrent effect.
"I Refuse to Make Empty Promises on Immigration"
Jenrick concluded his resignation letter by stating that he did not want to be another politician who made promises on immigration to the British public but failed to keep them.
PM Unveils "Toughest Immigration Legislation Ever"
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, unveiled what he described as the "toughest immigration legislation ever" in response to the migrant crisis. The new Safety and Rwanda bill, alongside a recently signed treaty, is intended to enable the start of removals by spring next year. The legislation grants the Prime Minister the power to overrule European judges and disapply elements of the Human Rights Act that could lead to legal delays. Additionally, the bill declares Rwanda as a "safe" country, aiming to prevent legal challenges to the government's deportation scheme.
Tory MPs Urged to "Unite or Die"
In an effort to avoid internal party conflict over the bill, Rishi Sunak urged Conservative MPs to unite behind the legislation. He warned that division would be detrimental to the party's success.
Government Aims to Control Borders and Deter Illegal Migration
Boris Johnson emphasized the need to address the issue of illegal migration, stating that it was costing the country billions of pounds and innocent lives. The emergency legislation is intended to give Parliament the power to decide who enters the country, rather than criminal gangs. By controlling borders and deterring dangerous journeys across the English Channel, the government hopes to reduce the strain on the courts caused by continuous legal challenges.
