The United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is facing a political crisis following the resignation of his immigration minister, Robert Jenrick. The resignation comes in the wake of disagreements over the government's proposed immigration policy, specifically the draft bill aimed at stopping unauthorized small boat crossings and deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Jenrick's departure from his position is seen as a significant blow to the government's immigration policy. The draft bill, known as the 'Safety of Rwanda Bill', has been a subject of controversy. It aims to control borders and deter perilous journeys across the English Channel by asylum seekers. However, critics argue that the legislation does not go far enough and is a 'triumph of hope over experience.'
The proposed scheme had previously been ruled unlawful by the UK Supreme Court. Despite this, the government has unveiled emergency legislation to override human rights law and proceed with the deportations. This move has faced criticism from both opposition politicians and hard-liners within Sunak's own Conservative Party.
The opposition Labour Party dismisses the plan as a costly distraction from stopping people smugglers and processing a backlog of asylum claims. Labour MP Mike Kane questioned whether Rwanda is getting cold feet, but the Home Secretary denied it. The resignation highlights the need for change, according to Labour's National Campaign Coordinator Pat McFadden.
The political fallout from the proposed bill and Jenrick's resignation continues to unfold, with the former home secretary Suella Braverman and her allies believing the legislation is fatally flawed and will lead the Tories into electoral oblivion.