UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Defends Hardline Approach on Illegal Immigration, Faces Rebellion
In a bold move to tackle the issue of illegal immigration, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is standing firm on his hardline approach, despite facing rebellion from some of his own Conservative lawmakers. Sunak’s proposed policy involves sending illegal immigrants to Rwanda, a controversial measure that has raised concerns about potential violations of international law. However, Sunak remains undeterred and is determined to see his legislation, known as the “Safety of Rwanda Bill,” become law.
The bill, which recently passed the lower House of Commons by a vote of 320 to 276, aims to override a previous decision by the UK Supreme Court that deemed the practice of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful. Under this new legislation, migrants who arrive in Britain illegally could be sent to Rwanda, located approximately 4,000 miles away, to have their asylum claims processed. The bill declares Rwanda a safe country for deporting asylum seekers.
Despite the bill’s success in the House of Commons, it now faces scrutiny in the upper chamber, the House of Lords, where Sunak does not hold an automatic majority. Many peers are expected to oppose the bill, citing concerns that it may lead to a breach of international law. However, Sunak remains confident in his position and is determined to push forward with his plans.
During a press briefing, Sunak emphasized the importance of the treaty with Rwanda and the passage of legislation designating Rwanda as a safe country. He stated, “The treaty with Rwanda is signed and the legislation which deems Rwanda a safe country has been passed unamended in our elected chamber.” Sunak’s determination to enforce his immigration policies is clear, as he asserted that he would not allow a foreign court to impede the deportation process.
Sunak’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration stems from his promise to reduce the number of unauthorized immigrants entering the country. One of his key objectives is to put an end to the dangerous journey undertaken by migrants crossing the English Channel from France in small boats, a route that has seen an estimated 110,000 illegal immigrants enter the UK since 2018. The majority of these migrants originate from Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey.
This tough stance on illegal immigration has been coined as “stop the boats,” reflecting Sunak’s determination to address the issue head-on. However, his plans have faced obstacles, such as the recent blocking of the first planned flight to Rwanda by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The ECHR issued interim measures under its Rule 39 provision, effectively granting a temporary emergency injunction to prevent the deportation of asylum seekers. Despite this setback, Sunak remains resolute, stating that he will not allow a foreign court to hinder the implementation of his deterrent measures.
While some Conservative lawmakers have rebelled against Sunak’s approach, around 60 MPs voted for amendments to strengthen the legislation. These amendments aimed to limit appeals and prevent interventions against deportation flights from international courts. However, none of these amendments were approved. Sunak now faces the challenge of navigating the House of Lords, where opposition may attempt to frustrate the will of the people as expressed by the elected House.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s hardline approach on illegal immigration has sparked both support and opposition within his own party. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether Sunak’s determination will prevail or if further challenges lie ahead. The issue of illegal immigration continues to be a contentious topic, and Sunak’s proposed policies are sure to generate further debate and discussion in the coming months.
