Minister Resignation Adds Turmoil to UK’s Rwanda Immigration Policy

Minister Robert Jenrick Warns Sunak’s Approach Falls Short

In a blow to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda policy, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick resigned, citing serious concerns about the draft bill aimed at curbing small boat crossings. Jenrick also took to X to say “It is with great sadness that I have written to the Prime Minister to tender my resignation as Minister for Immigration. I cannot continue in my position when I have such strong disagreements with the direction of the Government’s policy on immigration,” a statement which was posted along with his resignation letter.

Jenrick communicated to Sunak that the legislation lacks sufficient measures and is a “triumph of hope over experience.” The bill compels judges to deem Rwanda a safe country, responding to previous Supreme Court rulings that deemed the scheme unlawful over refugee risks.

Sunak’s political ally, Jenrick, expressed strong disagreements with the immigration approach, emphasizing the need to take decisive action to prevent Channel crossings. The legislation grants ministers powers to bypass sections of the Human Rights Act but stops short of allowing dismissal of the European Convention on Human Rights, a demand from hardliners, including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

The resignation comes amidst warnings from Braverman that the legislation could lead the Tories to “electoral oblivion.” Sunak urged Conservative backbenchers to “unite or die,” emphasizing the importance of the proposed emergency legislation. While Sunak expressed disappointment at Jenrick’s departure, the government hopes the legislation, combined with a treaty with Rwanda, will revive the immigration strategy initially announced in April last year. However, critics argue the bill may face prolonged legal challenges and fail to address the issue effectively.