MPs from various parties have criticized the Conservative Party’s failed attempt to preserve the controversial Rwanda law, with Labour Minister Dame Angela Eagle calling the initiative misguided and costly. Significant opposition has emerged, citing the financial waste and moral failings of the scheme, as well as concerns regarding international law violations. The Act is set to be repealed under Labour’s Border Security Bill amid ongoing scrutiny.
Members of Parliament (MPs) have openly ridiculed the Conservative Party’s attempt to salvage the controversial Rwanda law, which faced overwhelming criticism after its failure. Labour Minister Dame Angela Eagle characterized the Tories’ efforts as an indication of their disconnection from reality, labeling the initiative as a misguided endeavor. She emphasized that the Rwanda scheme had cost taxpayers over £700 million but only secured four volunteer participants.
A cross-party committee decisively rejected Conservative MP Matt Vickers’ amendment to maintain the Safety of Rwanda Act by a vote of 11 to 3. SNP MP Pete Wishart articulated his disapproval by stating that the Conservatives should apologize for the scheme and refrain from pursuing similarly flawed policies in the future. He asserted that the Tories were audacious to seek to reinstate the Act.
The Safety of Rwanda Act was enacted after a Supreme Court ruling deemed that asylum seekers should not be sent to Rwanda. This contentious law continues to declare Rwanda a safe country despite recent sanctions and allegations of its involvement in regional conflicts. Wishart highlighted the current instability in Rwanda, referencing accusations regarding its support of militia actions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Labour MP Kenneth Stevenson criticized the persistence of the Conservatives in repeating past mistakes, stressing their wasteful spending of public funds. In response, Vickers argued that canceling the Rwanda partnership would remove the primary deterrent for small boat crossings, while his colleague Katie Lam defended the initial intent of the scheme as a sincere effort to tackle immigration challenges.
Dame Angela contended that nearly 84,000 illegal crossings were recorded from the outset of the Rwanda project announcement to its cancellation. She voiced concern over the opposition’s continued insistence that the law was on the verge of success, suggesting that many Conservative members felt relieved to avoid the embarrassment of a failed initiative that would be remembered as a significant parliamentary blunder.
Dover MP Mike Tapp described the Rwanda project as a “legal and moral dead end.” The Act is set to be repealed under Labour’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which is under review. Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the actions of the Rwandan government as a blatant violation of international law while expressing concerns over potential regional conflict. He previously announced the suspension of bilateral aid to Rwanda, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding violations of sovereignty in the DRC during his address at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting.
The recent discussion surrounding the failed Rwanda law has highlighted significant political tensions within the UK Parliament. MPs across party lines have criticized the Conservative Party’s approach, pointing out the financial waste and moral implications associated with the scheme. Calls for accountability and the proposed repeal of the Act suggest a broader concern regarding immigration policy and international relations. As the Labour government moves forward with its Border Security Bill, the future of similar initiatives appears precarious.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
