As the UK Commons intensely debates the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, the political landscape in the UK is witnessing a seismic shift. The bill, designed to expedite the detention and deportation of illegal migrants to Rwanda, is at the heart of the storm. The debate centres around the rights of individual migrants in Rwanda and the urgency for secure borders amidst rising concerns over abuse of the asylum and immigration system.

The Rebellion Within

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is grappling with a substantial rebellion within the Conservative Party over the controversial plan. Designed as part of Sunak’s strategy to ‘stop the boats’ bringing unauthorized migrants to the UK, the bill has received a mixed reception from both moderate and right-wing lawmakers. The UK Supreme Court deemed the policy illegal, despite a treaty between Britain and Rwanda, adding to the uncertainties surrounding the bill.

A Test of Authority

Sunak’s authority and nerve are being tested as he struggles to quell the dissent within the Conservative Party. The plan, which aims to discourage risky journeys across the English Channel and dismantle people-smuggling gangs, has been met with stern opposition. Critics, including human rights groups, argue that Rwanda is not safe for refugees. The bill, if passed, would empower the government to ‘disapply’ sections of UK human rights law for Rwanda-related asylum claims, making it harder to challenge deportations in court.

The bill’s passage would mark a significant shift in the UK’s immigration policy. However, it faces additional hurdles in the House of Lords and could ignite further political upheaval. In the meanwhile, the Rwandan government has stated that while they are not obligated to refund the £240 million invested by the UK in the migration scheme, they would consider a refund request if no migrants are sent to Rwanda and the UK formally asks for it.