British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a setback as he loses two vocal supporters amidst a rebellion within his party over controversial legislation regarding the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda. The resignations of two Conservative vice-chairmen highlight the deep divisions within Sunak’s governing party over a bill that he deems crucial to bolstering his party’s popularity ahead of an upcoming election.
The disagreement among Conservative lawmakers stems from differing views on the Rwanda plan. Some argue that the plan, aimed at preventing asylum seekers from initiating further court challenges against their deportations, does not go far enough. Conversely, others are concerned that additional measures could potentially violate international law and jeopardize Britain’s agreement with Kigali.
On Tuesday, the government successfully defeated the rebels’ attempt to introduce two amendments that would have strengthened the legislation. However, this victory was only possible because most opposition parties also voted against the rebels. The fact that a significant number of lawmakers supported these changes may fuel a more extensive rebellion, ultimately leading to the government’s defeat in the final parliamentary vote on the legislation on Wednesday.
An anonymous senior lawmaker reveals that the rebels have the numbers to overthrow Sunak in the decisive third reading vote, highlighting the extent of dissatisfaction within the parliamentary party. They call on the government to listen and consider approving the proposed amendments.
Addressing the issue of migrant arrivals crossing the English Channel from France, Sunak has made it a central goal of his government to halt such journeys. While many of these migrants claim to be fleeing conflicts and persecution in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, the British government contends that a vast majority are economic migrants rather than legitimate refugees.
Sunak previously faced a significant challenge to his leadership when he managed to quell a potential revolt by dozens of lawmakers during the first parliamentary vote on this legislation. Although the government emerging victorious on that occasion, some lawmakers warned that they could vote against the bill at later stages.
Nearly 60 Conservative MPs supported an amendment that sought to prevent international law from impeding deportations. Those on the right-wing of the party argued that this should serve as a prompt for Sunak to toughen the legislation. Consequently, Conservative Party Deputy Chairmen Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith resigned due to the government’s reluctance to strengthen the bill.
While some centrist Conservative lawmakers express doubts about other rebels’ inclination to derail the government’s efforts before the impending election, the Conservatives are currently trailing the opposition Labour Party in opinion polls.
Isaac Levido, the Conservative Party’s election strategist, stressed during a closed-doors meeting that the party’s internal disputes could result in defeat at the upcoming national election. Warning against a divided party, he urged lawmakers to put an end to the infighting.
As the legitimacy of Sunak’s legislation faces further scrutiny, the prime minister must contend with the loss of two prominent supporters. With the final vote fast approaching, the fate of the bill hangs in the balance, and the Conservative Party must find a way to unite in order to bolster their chances in the upcoming election.
