Home Secretary James Cleverly has mounted a vigorous defence of the government's flagship Rwanda asylum policy, branding it a crucial tool to 'break the business model' of people smuggling gangs. The comments come amidst a fresh political storm and emerging legal challenges that threaten to ground the scheme before a single flight takes off.
Facing intense scrutiny, Mr Cleverly clashed with Labour's Shadow Immigration Minister, Stephen Kinnock, during a fiery session on the BBC's Sunday Morning with Laura Kuenssberg. Mr Kinnock did not hold back, labelling the scheme a 'gimmick' and a 'sham' that is haemorrhaging taxpayer money with no tangible results.
A Policy Under Legal and Financial Scrutiny
The Supreme Court's recent ruling against the original plan has forced the government back to the drawing board. In response, ministers are urgently drafting a new treaty with Rwanda and emergency legislation designed to explicitly designate the African nation as a safe country, hoping to circumvent the court's objections.
However, this legislative scramble may be for naught. The Independent can reveal that asylum seekers are already preparing new legal challenges based on the individual circumstances of their cases, potentially creating a logistical nightmare that could delay deportations for months or even years.
The Staggering Cost to the Taxpayer
Labour has seized upon the enormous financial burden of the scheme. Stephen Kinnock revealed that the cost has ballooned to a staggering £400 million, with no end in sight. 'That's £400 million for not a single person to be sent to Rwanda,' he stated, accusing the government of an irresponsible misuse of public funds that could have been allocated to bolstering Britain's border security and processing system.
Mr Cleverly countered by arguing that the cost of inaction is far greater, citing the massive expense of housing asylum seekers in hotels across the UK. He insisted the Rwanda policy is a vital long-term deterrent, though he conceded the government is exploring other third-country partnerships.
What Happens Next?
The government's next steps are fraught with uncertainty. The new legislation will face a tough battle in Parliament, and even if it passes, the threat of individual legal appeals looms large. With the Prime Minister staking significant political capital on the success of the Rwanda plan, its failure could have profound implications for the government's authority and its approach to immigration ahead of the next general election.
