Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has strongly emphasized the critical need for Rwanda flights to deter migrants from making perilous Channel crossings, in light of the tragic news of five people drowning in the Channel earlier today. Speaking en route to Poland, Sunak expressed his deep sadness at the incident and stressed that it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of the Rwanda plan. This landmark scheme, which was recently passed by Parliament, aims to tackle the issue of illegal migration and deter dangerous crossings by threatening individuals who arrive illegally in the UK with deportation to Rwanda. In Rwanda, their asylum claims will be processed, but they will have no route to return to the UK, except under exceptional circumstances such as individual safety concerns. The UK government will cover the expenses for migrants to establish new lives in Rwanda. Sunak emphasized that the plan is ‘compassionate’ in its intent, as it aims to prevent people from engaging in these dangerous and potentially life-threatening journeys. He highlighted the role of criminal gangs in exploiting vulnerable individuals and the alarming increase in the number of people attempting these crossings in recent years. Sunak maintained that breaking this business model and ending the unfairness of illegal migration is crucial for compassionate reasons. Home Secretary James Cleverly echoed these sentiments, expressing that the tragedies must cease and that the government is committed to ending this trade, halting the flow of boats, and dismantling the business model of the nefarious smuggling gangs responsible for putting lives at risk. MP Robert Jenrick condemned the incident as an intolerable tragedy and called for stronger measures to seize unseaworthy boats that continue to operate without hindrance across the EU. He praised the efforts of the border force and French cooperation in rescuing people but stressed the need for a clear message to potential illegal migrants that they will not be permitted to stay in the UK. Jenrick welcomed the passage of the Rwanda Bill through Parliament despite Labour opposition and expressed confidence in the plan’s ability to achieve its objectives. Noa Hoffman, Political Correspondent for The Sun, analyzed the significance of the Rwanda Bill’s passage, considering it a major victory for Sunak and his ministers. Despite the substantial efforts by Labour to obstruct the legislation, the PM successfully rallied his party to pass the bill. However, Hoffman acknowledges that the Bill’s ultimate success in achieving its primary goal of halting Channel crossings remains to be seen. She anticipates legal challenges from human rights groups and questions the practicality of the deportation process, including the number of illegal migrants who will actually be deported and the efficiency of operations in Kigali. The effectiveness of the flights in deterring migrants from crossing the Channel also remains uncertain. Hoffman notes that with a general election approaching in just months, there is limited time for comprehensive answers to these questions to emerge. Therefore, she suggests that the passage of the Bill is unlikely to significantly influence the current low approval ratings of the PM and his party in the polls.
Rwanda Flights Crucial to Deter Channel Crossings, Sunak Warns
