Showdown Looms: Tory Rebels Rally for Amendments to Strengthen Sunak's Controversial Rwanda Bill
As the Rwanda bill by Chancellor Rishi Sunak heads back to the Commons next week, a political showdown is on the horizon, with over 30 Tory MPs poised to support amendments aimed at fortifying the legislation. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak anticipates yet another clash with the right-wing faction of his party, which contends that the current version of the bill lacks the necessary robustness to ward off legal challenges to the deportation policy.
The Safety of Rwanda Bill, crafted in response to the Supreme Court's ruling that deemed the Rwanda scheme unlawful in November, is at the center of this political maelstrom. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, a prominent rebel, asserts that the bill in its current form falls short, failing to put an end to the recurring legal challenges impeding removals.
Jenrick advocates for crucial amendments, including a provision allowing ministers to override "pyjama injunctions" issued by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), last-minute orders capable of grounding flights. Additionally, he proposes barring migrants from making individual claims to suspend flights, except under specific circumstances. The amendments aim to limit legal challenges by migrants, with exceptions such as medical unfitness to fly, pregnancy, or age under 18.
The support for these amendments spans more than 30 Tory MPs, including notable figures like recently ousted home secretary Suella Braverman, former cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, and New Conservatives leaders Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates.
Jenrick, who resigned in protest over the Rwanda bill, emphasizes the stakes, warning that failure to address its shortcomings could lead to more illegal crossings, migrant hotels, and wasted taxpayer money. However, these proposed changes may encounter resistance from the moderate wing of the Conservative Party, which raises concerns about potential breaches of the UK's international obligations.
As the political drama unfolds, the fate of the Rwanda bill hangs in the balance, with Tory rebels pushing for amendments to ensure its effectiveness while facing opposition from within their own party.
Sunak Faces Scrutiny: Calls for Improvement to Rwanda Bill Amid Controversial Deportation Plan
Chancellor Rishi Sunak finds himself under increasing pressure as MPs gear up to scrutinize the Rwanda bill, seeking amendments to address concerns over its effectiveness in the deportation plan. While Sunak has expressed openness to "bright ideas" to enhance the bill, he remains steadfast in asserting that it strikes the right balance between rescuing the deportation plan and avoiding radical measures that might jeopardize Rwanda's participation.
The legislation aims to designate Rwanda as "safe" in general terms, with limited provisions for personal claims against deportation to the East African nation—an aspect disliked by Conservative hardliners. Despite winning a crucial Commons vote on the draft law in December, Sunak faces ongoing challenges, with Tory MPs warning of potential opposition in later parliamentary stages if the bill is not strengthened.
Next week, MPs will have two days to scrutinize the plan at the committee stage, followed by rigorous examination in the House of Lords. The looming debate comes in the wake of Labour's unsuccessful attempt to force the release of documents detailing the scheme's cost, with the Home Office confirming a commitment of £290 million to Rwanda, despite no flights having taken off. Labour contends that undisclosed future payments could inflate the total cost to £400 million.
Sunak's commitment to the deportation policy, central to his premiership and his pledge to curb Channel crossings, has faced scrutiny. Reports suggest that doubts lingered during his tenure as chancellor and even during his campaign for Tory leadership. The revelations fuel the ongoing debate surrounding the Rwanda bill, prompting calls for improvements and increased transparency in the face of mounting uncertainties over its viability and financial implications.
As the scrutiny intensifies over Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill, the political landscape is marked by a delicate balance between the imperative to rescue the deportation plan and the demand for more robust measures. Sunak's openness to "bright ideas" underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the legislation, which seeks to designate Rwanda as "safe" while navigating the intricacies of personal claims against deportation—a contentious point among Conservative hardliners.
Despite securing a key Commons vote in December, Sunak faces a challenging road ahead, with Tory MPs signaling potential opposition in subsequent parliamentary stages unless the bill is strengthened. The upcoming two-day scrutiny at the committee stage and subsequent examination in the House of Lords promise a thorough evaluation of the controversial legislation.
Against this backdrop, the failed attempt by Labour to disclose documents relating to the scheme's cost adds another layer of complexity. The confirmed commitment of £290 million to Rwanda, despite no flights having taken off, raises questions about undisclosed future payments, with Labour suggesting a potential cost escalation to £400 million.
Sunak's commitment to the deportation policy, a cornerstone of his premiership, faces heightened scrutiny amid reports of past doubts. The revelations inject a sense of urgency into the ongoing debate, prompting calls for improvements and increased transparency in the face of uncertainties surrounding the bill's viability and financial implications.
In the coming days, as the Rwanda bill undergoes rigorous examination, the political arena remains poised for further twists and turns, underscoring the complexity and significance of this legislative battleground.