By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
UK Prime Minister Faces Internal Opposition Over Controversial Asylum Policy
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is grappling with a rebellion within his Conservative Party over his contentious plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda, a policy that has become central to his election strategy. The plan, outlined in the government’s flagship Safety of Rwanda Bill, is facing challenges from both the liberal and authoritarian factions within the Conservative Party.
Sunak aims to secure an election victory this year but to achieve this, he must unite a party currently trailing behind the Labour opposition in opinion polls. However, the Rwanda plan has sparked disagreement within the party, with moderates finding it too extreme, while some on the right wing believe it doesn’t go far enough.
In a significant setback for Sunak, two deputy chairmen of the Conservative Party, Lee Anderson, and Brendan Clarke-Smith, have announced their support for amendments seeking to strengthen the legislation. Over 60 Tory lawmakers, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, are backing amendments to toughen the bill, and some have indicated they may vote against the legislation if not strengthened.
Sunak argues that the bill is already at its maximum capacity, emphasizing that Rwanda will withdraw from the agreement to rehouse asylum-seekers if the UK violates international law. However, Conservative moderates express concerns about potential violations of international law and have stated their opposition if the bill becomes more stringent.
The United Nations refugee agency echoed these concerns, stating that the Rwanda plan, even with the treaty and new legislation, is “not compatible with international refugee law.”
Sunak has positioned the Rwanda policy as a key component of his commitment to “stop the boats” carrying unauthorized migrants across the English Channel from France. Despite the payment of at least £240 million ($305 million) to Rwanda under the agreement, no individuals have been sent to the East African country.
The plan has faced criticism from human rights groups, legal challenges in British courts, and a ruling by the UK Supreme Court declaring it illegal in November. In response to the court ruling, a treaty was signed between Britain and Rwanda to enhance protections for migrants. Sunak’s government contends that the treaty allows the passage of a law designating Rwanda as a safe destination.
If the legislation is approved by Parliament, it would empower the government to “disapply” sections of UK human rights law related to Rwanda asylum claims and make it more challenging to challenge deportations in court. The bill, if passed by the House of Commons, will proceed to the House of Lords, where it is expected to face additional opposition.