An Important Development: Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Bill Passes Amidst Parliamentary Showdown
By Unveiled Team
Published by The Inquirer
Date: 23 April 2024
Updated: 9 minutes ago
Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda bill will finally become law after a parliamentary showdown ended late in the night.
Rishi Sunak’s highly debated plan to relocate asylum seekers to Africa has encountered fierce criticism. However, after a lengthy and heated debate, the bill was passed in Parliament, as the opposition in the Lords dropped their resistance to the bill’s implementation.
Addressing the milestone achievement, Mr Sunak conveyed his determination, exclaiming that “nothing will stand in our way” of executing the plan to initiate flights as soon as possible.
Prior to the bill’s successful passage, the prime minister voiced his intention to set flights to Rwanda in motion within the next 10 to 12 weeks, a slight delay from his original target that aimed for a spring launch.
Elated by the bill’s passage, the prime minister described it as “not just a step forward but a fundamental change in the global equation on migration.”
In his statement on Tuesday, Mr Sunak conveyed, “We introduced the Rwanda Bill to deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings and break the business model of the criminal gangs who exploit them.”
He further emphasized the objective, saying, “The passing of this legislation will allow us to do that and make it very clear that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay.
“Our focus is to now get flights off the ground, and I am clear that nothing will stand in our way of doing that and saving lives.”
While the prime minister’s move was lauded by some, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the Rwanda plan, referring to it as an “extortionately expensive gimmick.” Additionally, leading human rights groups have condemned the scheme, accusing it of being a “breach of international law.”
Amid the ongoing parliamentary proceedings, the prime minister assured that flights were already booked to take off as soon as the legislation was passed, with 500 staff poised to escort migrants “all the way to Rwanda.”
“Plans are in place. And these flights will go, come what may,” the prime minister reiterated, expressing his ambition to establish “a drumbeat of multiple flights a month…because that’s how you build a systematic deterrent and that’s how you’ll stop the boats.”
The bill underwent multiple revisions as it traversed between the Commons and the House of Lords before reaching its final stage. Consequently, the successful passage of the bill presents a notable triumph for the prime minister.
However, the prime minister’s commitment to halt small boats from crossing the channel now hinges on the plan’s effectiveness as a deterrent. With a forthcoming general election on the horizon, time is of the essence for the prime minister in substantiating the efficacy of his strategy.
Addressing the final amendments in the bill, Shadow Immigration Minister Stephen Kinnock praised his colleagues in the Lords for displaying “tenacity” and securing what he deemed a “significant concession.”
Conversely, the government remained unwavering in rejecting the last amendment for a monitoring committee, a proposal presented by crossbench peer Lord Anderson.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding the bill, Home Office Minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom defended its integrity, asserting its compliance with international law and highlighting the necessity of protecting the country’s borders for the greater good.
Given the significant parliamentary support and the looming royal assent, the bill is expected to swiftly obtain legal status under King Charles in the next few days.
While opposition parties are not its sole critics, as human rights groups voice concerns over the risks of abuse of power and its infringement upon the rule of law, the bill marks a significant turning point in the UK’s approach to asylum seekers and migration.
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