Getting Flights off the Ground
James Cleverly, the new Home Secretary, expressed his determination to finalize a new Rwanda treaty "within days" despite the Supreme Court's rejection of the plan. Cleverly emphasized his commitment to ensuring flights can resume before the next election.
Denying Claims of Criticism
Cleverly also denied allegations that he privately criticized the migration policy, dismissing such claims as baseless. He stated that he did not "recognize" the term "bats***" in relation to the Rwanda plan.
Grilling on Rishi Sunak's Plan B
During the interview, Cleverly faced intense questioning about Rishi Sunak's Plan B, which involves securing a new deal with Kigali and implementing emergency legislation to declare Rwanda a safe country. Cleverly asserted that the treaty, designed to prevent deportation to potentially unsafe locations, would be ready to sign in a matter of days.
Concerns About Delays
Despite Cleverly's optimism, concerns remain that even after parliamentary ratification, the treaty may face obstacles in the House of Lords and the courts, jeopardizing the Prime Minister's goal of resuming flights by spring.
Constitutional Criticism
Former Supreme Court Justice Lord Sumption criticized the government's decision to pursue a second attempt as "constitutionally extraordinary," raising further doubts about the viability of the plan.
Tense Exchange with BBC Host
The interview became heated when BBC host Amol Rajan challenged Cleverly on various points. Rajan's interruptions prompted Cleverly to question whether he was asking questions or making statements, leading to a tense exchange between the two.
Labour's Allegations
Cleverly was also pressed on Labour's accusations that he had referred to the Rwanda plan as "bats***" in private comments. Cleverly denied using such language and reiterated that the Rwanda scheme is only one part of the government's strategy to address illegal migration.
Pressure Mounts on Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak, who introduced the Rwanda deportation scheme in April 2022, admitted that his patience had run thin and acknowledged the frustration felt across the country. However, his leadership is now being questioned within the Tory party.
Tory Backlash and Existential Crisis
The controversial deportation plan has faced multiple legal challenges and has incurred significant costs. Critics argue that the Conservative Party is facing an existential crisis if it fails to address the issue of migrant boats.
Source: Adapted from original text
