UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed doubts regarding his support for the Rwanda plan during his tenure as Chancellor, emphasizing his responsibility to ensure value for money on all proposals while at the Treasury.
Responding to reports suggesting his lack of endorsement for the channel crossing prevention scheme, Sunak refuted such implications, asserting it was "wrong" to suggest his lack of support. Reports referenced No 10 papers from March 22, indicating his alleged reservations about the plan's effectiveness and concerns over the expenses tied to sending asylum seekers to Africa.
While acknowledging his lack of direct exposure to the documents in question during his appearance on the BBC, Sunak defended his approach, stating his role as Chancellor involved scrutinizing proposals for taxpayer value and employing a cautious perspective without negating support for the deterrence principle.
He explained his responsibility to raise critical questions and approach proposals skeptically to ensure taxpayers' value for money, emphasizing that such an approach shouldn't misconstrue his belief in the scheme's principle of deterrence.
Reports from the documents highlighted Sunak's comparison of accommodation costs, favoring hotel accommodations over reception centers for migrants and expressing reluctance to fund reception centers resembling those in Greece, citing a significant daily cost.
The Rwanda plan, initiated under Boris Johnson's leadership in April 2022, became integral to Sunak's strategy to prevent boat crossings, aligning with his top priorities upon assuming office in October the same year.
Labour MP Yvette Cooper urged the government to disclose the No 10 papers, advocating for transparency regarding Sunak's concerns and full details regarding the scheme's costs. She emphasized the necessity for honesty and openness from the Tory Government regarding this matter.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | Labour Investigates Closure of Company Owned by Sunak's Wife: Scrutiny Intensifies
ALSO READ | Chancellor Sunak Skeptical of Rwanda Plan's Effectiveness, Report
