According to Nigel Farage, a summer general election is now more likely following the passage of Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Bill in Parliament. Sunak had previously stated that deportation flights to Rwanda would begin within 12 weeks, but Farage contends this is highly improbable due to legal challenges under the Human Rights Act.
Farage argues that the Prime Minister’s assertion of disregarding international courts indicates a shift towards an earlier election because Sunak cannot fulfill his flagship policy as long as the Human Rights Act remains in effect. However, Sunak insists that the legislation will allow the government to discourage illegal immigration and protect lives.
Last night, the House of Lords ended its resistance to Sunak’s deportation strategy, allowing it to become law. The unelected chamber lifted the stalemate after the House of Commons rejected a provision requiring the Secretary of State to certify Rwanda’s safety to Parliament before deportations could occur. However, Farage claims that Sunak’s comments prior to the vote have changed his mind about the timing of the general election.
He predicts an election in late June or early July, regardless of the Conservative Party’s performance in next week’s local elections. Farage believes that the government, aware of the difficulties in implementing the Rwanda plan due to legal obstacles, will seek to capitalize on the policy’s popularity before it unravels.Meanwhile, Sunak has emphasized that the focus is now on launching deportation flights, with the intention of deterring illegal immigration and saving lives.
Meanwhile, French media reports that at least five people died overnight while attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat from Wimereux, near Calais.
