UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak successfully navigated a critical test of his leadership on Wednesday, overcoming opposition from within his own party to secure a parliamentary victory on his controversial plan to relocate migrants to Rwanda.
Sunak, who assumed office in October 2022, had staked his political future on the proposal, especially as Britain approaches its upcoming general election later this year.
Facing resistance from right-wing members of the Conservative Party, who had threatened to block the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, Sunak ultimately secured a comfortable win with 320 votes in favor and 276 against.
This outcome allows Sunak to avoid a significant erosion of his authority, crucial for his faction-divided party seeking to regain support from the main opposition Labour party ahead of the upcoming nationwide vote.
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The bill is Sunak’s response to a UK Supreme Court ruling late last year declaring the deportation of asylum seekers to Kigali illegal under international law. If passed, the legislation would compel judges to consider Rwanda a safe third country and grant UK ministers the power to disregard certain sections of international and British human rights legislation.
While the bill cleared the elected House of Commons, it must now be approved by the unelected House of Lords. With the government lacking a majority in the Lords, additional scrutiny and potential amendments could set the stage for further clashes with Downing Street.
The legislation also remains susceptible to legal challenges, prolonging a saga criticized by Labour as a “farce” and a “gimmick.”
Political research director Chris Hopkins highlighted the deep-rooted perception of the government’s incompetence on immigration, suggesting that public opinion may only shift when the proposed measures are implemented.
Despite Sunak’s efforts to address internal dissent, including the announcement of additional judges to expedite cases, the bill’s passage underscores the ongoing division within the ruling party. The prime minister contends that the Rwanda bill is crucial to deter migrants from choosing unauthorized routes to the United Kingdom.
While the proposal aims to reduce record levels of regular migration and prevent small boat crossings from France, it has reignited rifts reminiscent of the Brexit debates following the 2016 EU referendum. Despite calls to toughen the scheme, Sunak resisted changes that could jeopardize the bill’s passage.
The government’s commitment to paying £240 million to Kigali, as well as ongoing challenges in handling migration, highlights the complexity of the issue. Sunak’s ability to secure support and navigate the legislative process will continue to shape the political landscape in the lead-up to the general election.
