British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a significant decline in favorability ratings amid the Rwanda policy controversy, as per a recent YouGov poll. His net favorability rating hit a record low of -49, with 70% holding an unfavorable view of him, contrasting sharply with only 21% in favor, just prior to the crucial Rwanda bill vote.
This marks a 10-point drop from late November, aligning Sunak's popularity with Boris Johnson's final days in office, though still not as low as Liz Truss's rating of -70. Even 2019 Conservative voters displayed heightened negativity toward Sunak, with 56% expressing disapproval compared to 40% in favor.
However, Sunak gained some reprieve with the House of Commons voting 313-269 to endorse the Rwanda bill. The policy aims to deter illegal migration across the Channel, proposing deportation to Rwanda for those arriving unlawfully post-January 1, 2022, although faced legal obstacles previously. Sunak has emphasized "stopping the boats" as a top priority during his tenure.
Key Points:
1. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's net favorability ratings hit a record low amid the Rwanda policy controversy, with a YouGov poll indicating that 70% of respondents held an unfavorable view of him, while only 21% had a favorable opinion.
2. This poll showed Sunak with his lowest-ever net favorability score of -49, marking a significant 10-point decline from late November, positioning him as unpopular as Boris Johnson during his final days in office.
3. Boris Johnson's departure saw a slightly higher unfavorability rating of -53, whereas Liz Truss reached a -70 rating, reflecting the stark decline in public opinion.
4. Even among 2019 Conservative voters, Sunak's favorability took a hit, with 56% expressing negative views compared to 40% who viewed him positively.
5. Despite this dip in popularity, Sunak received a temporary reprieve as the House of Commons voted 313-269 in favor of the government's Rwanda bill, pushing it forward for further examination.
6. The Rwanda plan, conceived during Boris Johnson's tenure in 2022, aims to discourage migrants from undertaking the perilous 32 km journey across the Channel in small boats or dinghies, proposing deportation to Rwanda for those arriving illegally after January 1, 2022.
7. However, the execution of the plan faced obstacles, notably a June 2022 deportation flight halted by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights.
8. Sunak has emphasized "stopping the boats" as one of his top five priorities after assuming office as Prime Minister, underscoring the importance of the Rwanda policy to his administration.
9. The public's negative perception of Sunak intensified due to the controversy surrounding the Rwanda policy, contributing to his plummeting favorability ratings.
10. Despite the political setbacks reflected in the poll, the government's success in securing initial approval for the Rwanda bill signifies a temporary shift in focus amid Sunak's efforts to address immigration concerns.
(With Agency Inputs)
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