Conservative Party Resignations Shake UK Immigration Legislation

UK Conservative Party deputy chairmen Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith have resigned over their vote on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s emergency legislation on immigration. The lawmakers stepped down after voting in favor of an amendment to the bill. In a joint letter to the prime minister, they expressed their desire to strengthen the legislation but acknowledged that their resignations were necessary to support the amendments.
The controversy revolves around a deal between the UK and Rwanda, which would see illegal immigrants and asylum seekers being sent to Rwanda for claim processing. Successful applicants would be granted permanent residency in Rwanda instead of being allowed to return to the UK. However, the scheme has faced opposition, leading to legal challenges. The UK government introduced emergency legislation to override domestic and international human rights law, with MPs voting in favor of the bill last month.
On Tuesday, British lawmakers rejected amendments proposed by the Labour Party, setting the stage for a main vote on the bill on Wednesday. In addition to Anderson and Clarke-Smith, Conservative MP Jane Stevenson also offered her resignation as a Parliamentary Private Secretary over the vote. The developments highlight the ongoing debate and divisions within the ruling Conservative Party over the controversial immigration legislation.