By Ben Kerrigan-
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has tendered his resignation, stating that the government’s emergency Rwanda legislation “does not go far enough.”
The proposed bill aims to establish in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country for asylum seekers and deter individuals from crossing the English Channel in small boats.
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Jenrick, a supporter of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s leadership, expressed in his resignation letter to Sunak that the legislation lacked “stronger protections” needed to prevent legal challenges that could paralyze the scheme.
The bill falls short of the expectations of some within the Conservative party, including Jenrick, who sought more comprehensive measures.
The government, however, defended the legislation, asserting that ousting the courts entirely would collapse the entire scheme. Prime Minister Sunak described Jenrick’s resignation as “disappointing” and based on a “fundamental misunderstanding of the situation.”
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The proposed legislation, which must be approved by Parliament, has faced criticism for potentially breaching international law obligations.
It orders the courts to disregard sections of the Human Rights Act and other laws that impede deportations to Rwanda. However, it does not go as far as some Tory MPs desired, prompting concerns about its efficacy.
Jenrick, who had previously supported Sunak’s leadership campaign, emphasized in his resignation letter that the bill represented the “last opportunity” to prove the government’s commitment to halting small boat crossings.
This unexpected resignation presents a setback for Sunak, who had been working to address migration issues and regain control over the narrative surrounding the proposed legislation.
Labour’s shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, characterized the situation as indicative of the chaos within the Tory party and questioned the effectiveness of Sunak’s leadership.
Reports suggest that this resignation may lead to increased internal challenges for Sunak, possibly facing a confidence vote from within his own party.
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