UK Immigration Minister Resigns Over Rwanda Asylum Transfer Legislation

Cabinet Meeting At Downing Street In London

In a significant development, UK Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has resigned over the government’s proposed legislation regarding the Rwanda asylum transfer scheme. Jenrick stated that the new law “does not go far enough” in providing sufficient safeguards for the success of the policy. The government’s plan to transfer certain asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced extensive legal challenges since its announcement in April 2022. Despite the UK Supreme Court ruling the scheme unlawful, successive Home Secretaries have attempted to push it forward.

Jenrick, who serves within the Home Office, expressed his inability to support the latest draft bill through the legislative process, citing the need for stronger protections to prevent ongoing legal challenges that could hinder the scheme and undermine its intended deterrent effect. His resignation letter emphasised the high stakes involved in addressing illegal migration to the UK effectively.

Previously, Jenrick had publicly pledged to take any necessary measures to tackle illegal migration, including the possibility of withdrawing from the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). Some hardliner lawmakers within the Conservative Party, including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, have advocated for the UK’s departure from the ECHR, arguing that it hampers the Rwanda policy.

The government’s newly unveiled legislation did not withdraw the UK from the ECHR but included a crucial caveat. Home Secretary James Cleverley acknowledged on the first page of the bill that he could not guarantee its compatibility with Convention rights. The bill also disallowed specific sections of the UK Human Rights Act, which incorporates ECHR rights into domestic law. Furthermore, a clause asserted the bill’s sovereignty and its independence from key international law instruments, including the ECHR and the Refugee Convention.

The opposition Labour Party strongly criticised the legislation, highlighting that this is the third draft presented by the government. Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the government as being in a state of “total chaos” and called for a focus on combating criminal gangs involved in smuggling people into the UK.

Legal experts, including Professor Mark Elliot of the University of Cambridge, have also voiced criticism. Elliot argued that the bill is “hypocritical” as it assumes Rwanda’s compliance with international law obligations to treat asylum seekers humanely while allowing the UK to potentially breach its own obligations.

The Rwandan government issued a warning to the UK, threatening to withdraw from the partnership if the UK fails to adhere to international law. Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta emphasised that without lawful behaviour by the UK, Rwanda would not be able to continue the Migration and Economic Development Partnership.

The next step for the bill is its debate in parliament during the “second reading” stage, where UK lawmakers will discuss its merits and potential implications.

 

Source: CNN

Rishi Sunak Stands Firm on Immigration Reduction Goals, Despite Manifesto Setback

Rishi Sunak Stands Firm On Immigration Reduction Goals, Despite Manifesto Setback

In a recent interview conducted at the Nissan plant, Chancellor Rishi Sunak declined to apologize for the government’s inability to fulfil the 2019 Tory manifesto pledge of reducing immigration. However, he reiterated his belief that current immigration levels were excessively high.

Expressing his stance, Sunak stated, “I’m very clear that the levels of migration are too high, and they’ve got to come down to more sustainable levels. I’ve been clear about that.” While he acknowledged the Office for National Statistics’ recent affirmation that migration rates were slowing, he emphasized the need for further progress.

Highlighting his commitment to addressing the issue, Sunak pointed out the stringent policy he announced in May. This measure aimed to restrict the number of dependents accompanying students entering the country, representing the most rigorous action taken in a long time to curtail legal migration. He assured the public that additional actions would be taken if the system continued to be exploited.

However, when questioned about his support for the reported proposals put forth by Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, such as implementing a higher minimum salary threshold for work visa recipients and enforcing a cap on NHS work visas, Sunak evaded a direct response. Instead, he reiterated his previous statements, refraining from providing a clear stance on the proposed measures.

Despite the government’s failure to honour the immigration reduction promise outlined in the 2019 Tory manifesto, Rishi Sunak remains resolute in his commitment to decreasing migration levels. As the debate surrounding immigration policy continues, the Chancellor’s refusal to endorse specific measures leaves room for speculation on the government’s future approach.

 

Source: The Guardian