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Rishi Sunak is extending an olive branch to disgruntled Tory MPs to stave off a rebellion over his Rwanda plan after the cost of the deportation scheme hit £290m.
According to government sources, a vote on the policy is scheduled for Tuesday and they are open to discussing its future with rebel MPs, as long as the bill is approved.
The Prime Minister is preparing for criticism from both the liberal and conservative factions of the Conservative party regarding a proposed bill that would designate an East African country as a secure location for deporting asylum seekers.
This is a final attempt to get airplanes flying, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that the government’s previous plans were unlawful.
The law grants ministers the authority to ignore portions of the Human Rights Act, but does not extend to permitting them to reject the European Convention on Human Rights.
MPs from the more liberal side of Mr Sunak’s political party see it as too radical, while those on the conservative end argue that the legislation is insufficient in guaranteeing the operation of flights.
On Thursday, Sunak held an urgent press briefing about the legislation.
The conflict surrounding the bill escalated on Friday when it was revealed that the expense for the Rwanda proposal has increased by over two times, reaching £290m.
Although no asylum seekers have been sent to the east African nation, the government has given Kigali an extra £100m. This is in addition to the initial £140m payment, and the government plans to send another £50m next year.
On Tuesday, a mere 29 dissenting Tory members could overthrow the government through a vote. According to experienced Tory parliamentarian Henry Smith, if the bill does not pass, it would mark the end of the road for the Conservative party.
Although the PM has stated that Tuesday’s vote is not a vote of confidence in his leadership, Mr Smith has declared it as “a vote of significant importance.”
According to Tory deputy chairman Rachel Maclean, the vote in Rwanda will serve as a way to demonstrate confidence in the government. Tory Members of Parliament who had planned to be absent from parliament on Tuesday have been instructed to alter their plans in order to participate in the vote.
The senior Conservative member, David Davis, rejected the criticism of the program’s expense, stating that it would be considered inexpensive if it is successful.
The previous secretary responsible for Brexit informed The Independent that he plans to support the Rwanda legislation and believes it will successfully pass through the House of Commons on Tuesday. He stated, “Any other outcome would be irrational.”
The Prime Minister’s authority within his party has been tested due to the departure of former Minister of Immigration, Robert Jenrick, and his dismissal of former Home Secretary, Suella Braverman.
Prior to the vote, Tom Pursglove, the newly appointed immigration minister, stated that the government is willing to consider compromises with dissenting Conservative MPs who are dissatisfied with the bill. He assured that ministers will actively address any concerns raised by parliamentarians.
On Tuesday, the olive branch may prevent a rebellion as unhappy MPs express their concerns and request changes during a later stage of the lawmaking process.
However, officials from the government emphasized that there is limited flexibility for making the bill stricter. The Prime Minister is unwilling to weaken it and potentially render it ineffective.
Mr. Smith supports the Rwanda bill, but mentioned that the government is uncertain about having enough votes to pass it and it may be difficult to do so.
He expressed concern that the government’s decision to heavily endorse the Rwanda scheme is a risky strategy.
MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, Jonathan Gullis, who aligns with the conservative party, expressed doubt that the proposed bill adequately addresses preventing deportation flights from being hindered by legal action.
He stated that the proposed legislation could result in the government being constantly challenged in court by every asylum seeker they attempt to remove. However, Mr. Gullis expressed his continued support for the Prime Minister regardless of the vote’s result. He told Sky News that Mr. Sunak should be the leader of the party in the upcoming general election.
After the news came out about the rapidly increasing expense of the program, it caused anger among people. Yvette Cooper called it “unbelievable”.
The spokesperson for the opposition party expressed concerns over the Conservative party’s misuse of £290 million in public funds on a program that has not successfully relocated any asylum seekers to Rwanda.
How many additional blank checks will be written by Rishi Sunak before the Conservative party admits that this scheme is completely absurd?
Matthew Rycroft, the permanent secretary of the Home Office, presented the latest statistics to Dame Diana Johnson, the chair of the home affairs committee, and Dame Meg Hillier, the chair of the public accounts committee, in a letter sent late at night.
Shortly after stating that he had been prevented by government officials, he received a notification. However, Dame Diana and Dame Meg expressed disapproval of Mr Rycroft’s actions, stating they were “let down” by his communication at 9:16pm on Thursday, which showed a “blatant disregard for respect.”
They have called upon him to be questioned on Monday regarding the cost-effectiveness of the Rwanda proposal for taxpayers, prior to the vote on the bill.
Source: independent.co.uk
