Members of Parliament have criticized the Conservative Party’s attempts to save the failed Safety of Rwanda Act, branding them as “mugs”. The Act, deemed catastrophic by many, has cost taxpayers over £700 million with minimal success. Labour and SNP MPs argued it was a misguided initiative, with ongoing debates surrounding the moral and legal implications of the scheme.
Members of Parliament (MPs) have openly criticized the Conservative Party following the failed attempt to preserve Rishi Sunak’s controversial Safety of Rwanda Act. The Tories were characterized as “mugs” after Conservative frontbencher Matt Vickers sought to maintain the legislation. Labour Minister Dame Angela Eagle remarked that the Conservatives are entrenched in a “fantasy land” as they attempt to salvage what has been deemed a catastrophic law, costing taxpayers over £700 million with minimal results.
A cross-party committee decisively voted against the amendment proposed by Mr. Vickers, rejecting it by a margin of 11 to 3. SNP MP Pete Wishart chastised the Conservatives for not offering apologies for the Rwanda scheme, suggesting they should instead be seeking forgiveness for what he described as a hare-brained initiative. He remarked on the absurdity of their proposal to reinstate the program, emphasizing its failure and the resulting ridicule directed at the Tory leadership.
The Safety of Rwanda Act, initially enacted under Prime Minister Sunak, faced criticism following a Supreme Court ruling that prohibited the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda. Despite being labeled a safe country, Rwanda has faced severe accusations that it contributes to regional instability and violence. Mr. Wishart highlighted the dire situation in Rwanda, linking government actions to human rights violations, including the recruitment of child soldiers amidst ongoing conflict.
Labour MP Kenneth Stevenson criticized the Conservatives for persisting with ineffective strategies that squander public funds. In defense of the Rwanda initiative, Mr. Vickers argued that it had served as the only deterrent against small boat crossings of migrants. Fellow Tory Katie Lam acknowledged the challenges faced by the last Conservative government but insisted that the Rwanda scheme was a sincere attempt to address complex issues regarding migration.
Dame Angela Eagle noted the alarming number of approximately 84,000 crossings recorded since the announcement of the Rwanda project in 2022, which ended in July. She expressed her dismay that the opposition continues to claim that the scheme was on the verge of success, speculating that their assertions serve to deflect responsibility for the legislation’s failures.
Labour MP Mike Tapp labeled the Rwanda project as a “legal and moral dead end,” as it faces repeal under Labour’s ongoing review of the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has accused the Rwandan government of blatant violations of international law that threaten regional stability, even as UK officials have developed contingency plans for potential conflict in Rwanda. Mr. Lammy emphasized that further breaches will carry serious consequences for the Rwandan government.
The criticism of the Conservative Party regarding the Safety of Rwanda Act highlights significant concerns over its effectiveness and moral implications. With MPs from various parties condemning the legislation for its past failures and lack of accountability, the future of Britain’s immigration policy remains contentious. As Labour advances plans to repeal the Act, the focus shifts towards finding more effective and ethical solutions to migration issues.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
