In a rare show of unity, former Conservative leader William Hague and ex-Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair have launched a scathing attack on Rishi Sunak's flagship Rwanda deportation policy, branding it an "electoral bribe" that will fail to deter Channel crossings.
Unlikely Allies Criticise 'Flawed' Scheme
The two political heavyweights, who normally occupy opposite ends of the ideological spectrum, jointly condemned the Prime Minister's plan as "profoundly wrong" and warned it could cost taxpayers £2 million per deportee. Lord Hague, who led the Tories from 1997-2001, called the policy "a complete failure" that won't stop small boat arrivals.
Blair's Blunt Assessment
Tony Blair didn't mince words, stating: "This is about the government trying to look tough for electoral purposes rather than actually solving the problem." The former Labour leader suggested the scheme was designed to appeal to Conservative voters ahead of the next general election.
Legal and Financial Concerns Mount
The unusual alliance comes as:
- The Supreme Court ruled the policy unlawful last November
- Sunak pushes emergency legislation to override legal obstacles
- Reports suggest each deportation could cost 20 times more than housing asylum seekers in the UK
With the government having already paid Rwanda £140 million without a single flight taking off, critics argue the policy has become a financial black hole.
What This Means for Sunak
The damning verdict from two former leaders represents a significant blow to Sunak's authority, particularly from within his own party. As the Prime Minister stakes his reputation on "stopping the boats", this high-profile intervention suggests his approach lacks support from experienced statesmen across the political divide.
