MPs, including Labour and SNP members, ridiculed the Tory government’s attempt to save the failed Rwanda law, which has been criticized as ineffective and costly, contributing to ongoing asylum issues and ethical concerns regarding Rwanda’s safety. Key figures suggest the Act should be repealed amid accusations of severe breaches of international law by Rwanda.
Members of Parliament (MPs) have openly mocked the Conservative Party following the collapse of Rishi Sunak’s controversial Rwanda law. The failed attempt to maintain the Safety of Rwanda Act sparked laughter as Tories were dismissed as “mugs.” Labour Minister Dame Angela Eagle accused the Conservatives of living in a “fantasy land” after Conservative frontbencher Matt Vickers’s efforts to save the legislation fell flat.
Dame Angela labeled the Rwanda Act as one of the most catastrophic pieces of legislation handled by Parliament, pointing out that it cost taxpayers over £700 million with only four individuals volunteering to participate in the program. A cross-party committee voted 11 to 3 against Vickers’ amendment to retain the Act, prompting SNP MP Pete Wishart to assert that the Tories should apologize for their scheme and seek forgiveness.
Wishart further criticized the government’s stance, emphasizing the current lack of safety in Rwanda, which is accused of supporting armed militia accused of serious human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He described the Tories as “mugs” for lacking foresight in dealing with Rwanda, suggesting they has been easily manipulated.
Labour MP Kenneth Stevenson expressed concerns over the Conservatives’ repeated mistakes involving public funds. Vickers attempted to defend the initiative, claiming that scrapping the Rwanda partnership removed the “only deterrent” for small boat crossings. Fellow Tory Katie Lam remarked that the previous Conservative government had good intentions, while Dame Angela countered that nearly 84,000 such crossings had occurred during the project’s existence, rendering it ineffective.
Dover’s Labour MP Mike Tapp criticized the Rwanda initiative as both a legal and moral dead end. The Act is set to be repealed by Labour’s upcoming Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Rwanda of severe breaches of international law that could destabilize the region. He previously indicated that bilateral aid to Rwanda has been suspended due to these breaches and threatened repercussions for further violations of sovereignty in the DRC.
The debate surrounding the Rwanda law highlights significant opposition from MPs across parties, emphasizing concerns over costs, effectiveness, and moral implications. The proposed legislation has drawn extensive criticism, particularly regarding its safety implications and the ethical stance of the UK government. As discussions continue, the impending repeal of the Act under Labour’s new bill demonstrates a shift in policy direction, one that prioritizes effective and legal asylum measures over discredited strategies.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
