In a dramatic move that plunges the Prime Minister's flagship immigration policy into chaos, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has resigned from his post, delivering a blistering condemnation of Rishi Sunak's approach to stopping small boat crossings.
Mr Jenrick's explosive resignation letter, obtained by The Independent, brands the government's long-awaited Rwanda legislation as "too weak" and fundamentally flawed. He delivered a stark warning that the bill is destined to fail and will do little to deter the record numbers of asylum seekers making the perilous Channel crossing.
A Doctrine of Foreigners' Laws Over British National Interest
The core of Jenrick's criticism lies in the bill's continued deference to international law. He argues that the legislation offers "tweaks" rather than the radical overhaul needed, leaving it vulnerable to legal challenges from individual migrants and ultimately failing to provide the "necessary deterrent" to break the business model of people smuggling gangs.
His resignation underscores a deep and bitter split within the Conservative Party. Jenrick's position aligns him with the hardline faction, including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who are demanding the UK disapply entirely from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and other international treaties to fast-track deportations to Rwanda.
Sunak's Authority Undermined
This very public cabinet revolt is a severe blow to the Prime Minister's authority. It reveals a government at war with itself over its central pledge to "stop the boats." Jenrick's departure suggests he believes the current plan is not only ineffective but also an electoral liability, stating a need for "boldness" rather than "rhetoric".
The government, however, is pushing back. Downing Street insists its Rwanda bill is the "toughest immigration legislation ever put forward by a UK government" and is confident it will work. They maintain the approach is a novel one that respects the rule of law while finally ending the legal merry-go-round that has grounded all flights to Rwanda to date.
What Happens Next?
The political fallout is immediate. The Prime Minister now faces a critical vote on the bill, with threats of rebellion from both the right-wing of his party and more centrist MPs concerned about human rights. The future of the UK's asylum policy and Sunak's premiership hang in the balance.
With a general election looming, the Conservative Party's deep divisions on immigration are now on full display, threatening to sink their campaign before it has even begun.
