British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing backlash as he pushes forward with plans to start sending asylum seekers to Rwanda within the next 10 to 12 weeks. Despite opposition in the House of Lords, Sunak is determined to force the legislation through in hopes of boosting his Conservative Party’s popularity before an upcoming election.
The government has already made preparations, booking commercial charter planes and training staff to transport migrants to Rwanda. Sunak made it clear that there would be no delays, stating, “No ifs, no buts. These flights are going to Rwanda.”
Critics argue that the plan is inhumane and that Rwanda is not a safe place for asylum seekers. However, Sunak’s team believes that this policy will deter illegal crossings and disrupt the operations of people-smuggling gangs.
The legislation has faced multiple delays in the House of Lords, with some members pushing for safeguards for vulnerable groups such as Afghans who assisted British troops. Despite these challenges, Sunak remains determined to move forward with the plan.
While polls suggest that the Conservative Party may face defeat in the upcoming election, Sunak is hopeful that this tough stance on immigration will resonate with voters. However, legal challenges from charities, rights groups, and the trade union representing border force staff may still pose a threat to the implementation of the policy.
As the debate continues, the fate of asylum seekers and the future of immigration policy in the UK hang in the balance.