The resignation of Robert Jenrick as immigration minister over the government’s controversial Rwanda asylum plan has plunged Rishi Sunak’s premiership into crisis and exposed deep divisions within the Conservative Party.
Mr Jenrick, who was seen as a rising star and a loyal ally of the prime minister, said he could not support the bill that would allow the UK to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing and resettlement.
He said the bill was “fatally flawed” and a “triumph of hope over experience”, arguing that it would not deter people from making dangerous journeys across the Channel, but would instead create a “humanitarian disaster” and damage the UK’s reputation.
He also accused the government of breaking its promises to the British public on immigration, saying he was not prepared to be “another politician who makes promises on immigration to the British public but does not keep them”.
His resignation came as a shock to many in Westminster, as he had previously defended the bill in the House of Commons and in the media, and had been working closely with the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, who is the main architect of the policy.
Mr. Jenrick’s departure sparked immediate doubts over whether the prime minister could get his “emergency legislation” to salvage his Rwanda deportation plan through the Commons, as he faces a rebellion from dozens of Tory MPs who share Mr. Jenrick’s concerns.
The bill, which was due to be voted on next week, has also been strongly criticized by human rights groups, the UN refugee agency, the Rwandan government, and the opposition parties, who have vowed to oppose it.
Mr Sunak, who became prime minister in October 2022 after Boris Johnson stepped down following a series of scandals and health problems, has staked his reputation on delivering his Rwanda plan, which he claims is essential to regain control of the UK’s borders and restore public confidence in the immigration system.
He has argued that the UK has a moral duty to help Rwanda, which is still recovering from the 1994 genocide, by providing aid and investment in exchange for hosting asylum seekers.
He has also insisted that the plan is legal, humane, and in line with the UK’s international obligations and that the asylum seekers would be treated with dignity and respect in Rwanda.
However, his critics have accused him of pursuing a “cruel and cynical” policy that would outsource the UK’s responsibilities to a poor and unstable country, and that would expose asylum seekers to abuse, exploitation, and violence.
They have also questioned the legality and feasibility of the plan, pointing out that Rwanda has not signed a formal agreement with the UK, and that there are no guarantees that the asylum seekers would be safe or have access to a fair and effective asylum process.
Mr Sunak has faced mounting pressure to abandon or amend his plan, not only from the opposition and the public but also from his own party, which is deeply divided over the issue.
Some Tory MPs, especially those representing seats with large numbers of asylum seekers or ethnic minorities, have warned that the plan would alienate voters and damage the party’s image.
Others, especially those from the right wing of the party, have argued that the plan does not go far enough, and have called for more drastic measures, such as offshore detention centers, naval blockades, or even sending asylum seekers back to France.
The mood in the Conservative Party is bleak, as many fear that the Rwanda row could undermine the party’s chances of winning the next general election, which is due by May 2024.
Some have even suggested that Mr Sunak’s leadership could be challenged, as he has failed to unite the party or deliver on his promises.
Mr Sunak, however, has shown no sign of backing down and has vowed to press ahead with his plan, saying he is confident that he has the support of the majority of his party and the country.
He has also praised Mr Jenrick for his service and said he respects his decision to resign, but that he disagrees with his assessment of the bill.
He has appointed Suella Braverman, a former attorney general and a staunch Brexiteer, as the new immigration minister, in a move that signals his determination to push through his policy.
Mr Jenrick, meanwhile, has said he will continue to serve as the MP for Newark, and that he will speak out against the bill when it comes to the Commons.
He has also received messages of support from many of his colleagues, who have praised him for his integrity and courage.
The fate of the bill, and of Mr Sunak’s premiership, now hangs in the balance, as the political drama unfolds in the coming days and weeks.
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