Title: UK Prime Minister Faces Rebellion from Tory Lawmakers Over Asylum-Seeker Policy
Word Count: 344
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is encountering a major challenge from Conservative lawmakers who oppose his controversial asylum-seeker policy, risking his authority and his government’s flagship Safety of Rwanda Bill. Sunak’s immigration strategy, which played a central role in his election campaign, has sharply divided the Conservative Party and triggered an exodus of party officials.
The rebellion gained momentum as two deputy chairmen of the Conservative Party resigned from their posts to support amendments aimed at bolstering the government’s flagship legislation. Nearly 60 Tory lawmakers have joined the rebellion against Sunak, with a vote on the bill scheduled for Wednesday.
If the rebels follow through on their threats to oppose the legislation unless it is strengthened, their combined votes with opposition party members could potentially spell the downfall of the bill. The opposition, including the Scotland National Party and other parties, are sharply critical of the policy, labeling it as “irredeemably awful.”
Sunak has justified his hardline stance, arguing that any further concessions would risk Rwanda ending its agreement with the UK. However, his claims have been met with skepticism as the United Nations refugee agency has declared the Rwanda plan incompatible with international refugee law. Human rights organizations have also criticized the policy as inhumane and unworkable.
The controversy surrounding the bill deepened in November when the UK Supreme Court deemed the policy illegal, citing Rwanda’s lack of safety for refugees. Despite the legal setback, Sunak has continued to push for the legislation, which remains crucial to his pledge to halt unauthorized migrants from crossing the English Channel.
Under the current agreement, the UK has already paid at least £240 million to Rwanda. However, no asylum seekers have been transferred to the country as of yet. The new law, if approved by Parliament, would further impede the ability to challenge deportations in court.
As the vote approaches, all eyes will be on Sunak and the outcome of the rebellion within his party. The battle over his asylum-seeker policy not only highlights the deep divisions within the Conservative Party, but also raises questions about the government’s commitment to upholding international refugee law.
