UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, of Indian origin, faces an uncertain future as a right-wing faction within his Conservative party deems his proposed migration Bill incomplete. The legislation aims to address the issue of deporting illegal asylum seekers to Rwanda under a treaty with the UK. Immigration has been a significant concern in the UK post-Brexit, with migration from non-EU nations surging since 2016. The European Research Group (ERG), a hard-line anti-immigration faction, referred the Bill to lawyers who found it only provided a "partial and incomplete solution." The ERG called for redrafting to prevent legal challenges, highlighting potential weaknesses in the Bill. About 30 Conservative MPs attending the meeting could impact the vote, potentially jeopardizing Sunak's position as Prime Minister. This development comes amid heightened scrutiny, including Sunak's recent cross-examination at the Covid-19 Inquiry regarding his role as Chancellor of the Exchequer during the pandemic.
Key Points
1. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, of Indian origin, faces uncertainty as a right-wing faction within his Conservative party criticizes a parliamentary Bill regarding the deportation of illegal asylum seekers to Rwanda.
2. The UK government aims to deport illegal arrivals to Rwanda through a treaty, addressing concerns about immigration, a key issue for those who supported Brexit to control unregulated immigration.
3. Despite Brexit, migration from outside the EU has surged, including individuals crossing the English Channel on inadequate boats. Net migration in 2022 was nearly 800,000.
4. The European Research Group (ERG), a hard-line, anti-immigration section of the Conservatives, sought legal opinions on Sunak's proposed Bill from a team known as "The Star Chamber."
5. "The Star Chamber" lawyers deemed the Bill a "partial and incomplete solution," suggesting it does not go far enough to address legal challenges in UK courts delaying or defeating the removal of illegal migrants to Rwanda.
6. The lawyers criticized the Bill for not excluding individual legal challenges and having a narrow scope in disapplying provisions of international instruments, including the European Court of Human Rights.
7. ERG Chair Mark Francois expressed concern that the Bill could allow individuals to create legal obstacles, calling for a redraft to prevent such challenges.
8. Approximately 30 Conservative MPs attended the meeting with "The Star Chamber," and if they vote against the Bill, it could be defeated, posing a challenge to Sunak's leadership.
9. Sunak's leadership position is already fragile, with calls for the return of his predecessor Boris Johnson and speculation about David Cameron taking over.
10. Sunak faces opposition within his party, with centrist and moderate MPs, known as One Nation Conservatives, believing the Bill may violate international laws and United Nations conventions. Their formal conclusion was expected to be announced on Monday evening.
(With Agency Inputs)
Read also| Strategists fear Sunak might not have temperament to charm electorate
