UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak passed a crucial test of leadership by narrowly winning a parliamentary vote regarding his Rwanda migrant plan.
The vote quelled a Conservative Party revolt and moved forward the controversial Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill with a 313 to 269 majority.
Serving just over a year, Sunak's tenure has been marked by efforts to address a surge in both legal and illegal immigration, a topic expected to dominate the upcoming election. Despite the win, Sunak may still have to appease hardline conservatives seeking a stricter bill.
Human Rights Watch UK's Yasmine Ahmed criticized the vote, seeing it as detrimental to legal and ethical principles. MP Mark Francois expressed the need for amendments to strengthen the bill, targeting weaknesses and hinting at revisiting it in January.
Political expert Tim Bale viewed the victory as respite rather than a solid win for Sunak, predicting further obstacles, especially since the bill must also pass the House of Lords.
Sunak lauded the bill as the strictest immigration legislation ever and aims to authorize Rwanda-bound deportation flights, addressing unauthorized arrivals. This move came after a Supreme Court decision labeling Rwandan deportations as unlawful.
Interior Minister James Cleverly argued the bill's necessity, claiming it would counter people smuggling and restore immigration system trust. The bill's aim to simplify deportations and declare Rwanda safe has ignited internal Conservative debate, posing risks to the UK's adherence to international law.
Recalling UK Climate Minister Graham Stuart from an overseas summit underscored the stakes involved for Sunak, who would have faced weakened authority with a defeat.
The UK's plan to deport migrants to Rwanda, initiated by
Boris Johnson, has so far cost £240 million without actual deportations, and is expected to reach £150 million more by 2026. Opposition critics, like Labour's Yvette Cooper, call the plan ineffective and are urging the government to address the costly asylum application backlog instead.