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According to documents, Rishi Sunak, while serving as chancellor, expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda in order to prevent channel crossings.
According to the BBC, documents from 10 Downing Street dating back to March 2022, one month prior to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement, reveal that Chancellor Rishi Sunak was skeptical of the plan’s efficacy.
In October 2022, Mr Sunak took office as prime minister and has since prioritized the Rwanda plan, despite facing delays caused by legal obstacles.
According to the records, Mr Sunak believed that hotels were a more affordable option for accommodating migrants than reception centres. He also expressed worry about the expenses of sending asylum seekers to Africa and wanted to restrict the number of individuals being sent.
The BBC reported that the papers showed the “chancellor’s desire to start with lower quantities” by sending 500 to Rwanda in the first year of the program, rather than the suggested 1,500.
According to reports, he suggested a reduction from 5,000 to 3,000 for years two and three.
He is stated to have the belief that the deterrent will not be effective.
According to the records, No 10 advised Mr. Sunak to take into account his support among the public when considering the Rwanda plan. The former chancellor was hesitant to allocate £3.5 million per day for “Greek-style reception centers” to accommodate migrants, preferring hotels instead.
Mr Sunak has pledged to continue with the plan for migrant flights to Rwanda, despite a ruling by the UK Supreme Court that it was unlawful, while the BBC said a source close to the prime minister said he was “always fully behind the principle of the scheme” but need to ensure money was “appropriately spent” in his role as chancellor.
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, informed the BBC that the prime minister was aware of the exorbitant costs and impracticality of the plan and opposed it during his time as chancellor.
However, despite his weakness, he has now made a deal to provide Rwanda with £400 million through checks without any physical presence in a desperate effort to maintain his leadership.
On Tuesday, Mr Sunak restated his backing for the Rwanda proposal and emphasized his determination to fulfill his promise of ending boat migration and facilitating flights to Rwanda.
Source: independent.co.uk
