Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has criticized Labour leader Keir Starmer for his lack of policy regarding the ongoing migrant crisis. Sunak claims that Starmer is more focused on stopping flights to Rwanda than preventing illegal migrant boats from crossing the Channel. The Prime Minister has hit the road to meet voters and make the removal scheme a key election issue as he prepares to toughen up the policy.
Sunak accuses Starmer of prioritizing Rwanda flights
According to PM Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer is more interested in stopping flights to Rwanda than preventing illegal migrant boats from crossing the Channel. Sunak launched a direct attack on Starmer, accusing his party of voting against the Rwanda legislation and suggesting that they are not committed to stopping the boats. Sunak emphasized that he has a plan to tackle the issue effectively.
Sunak refuses to deny discussing scrapping the policy
Rishi Sunak has refused to deny a report that he discussed scrapping the policy of removing migrants to Rwanda when running for leader in 2022. While he denies saying that he would scrap it, he has not confirmed or denied discussing the possibility. The Rwanda scheme has cost £290 million so far, but no asylum seekers have been sent there.
Tories face rebellion if legislation is not strengthened
Legislation regarding the removal of migrants to Rwanda is expected to return to the Commons soon, but Tory rebels have threatened to amend or vote it down if it is not beefed up. The Prime Minister has expressed openness to "bright ideas" to improve the legislation and claims that the entire party supports the plan. Former Home Office Minister Robert Jenrick has stated that he will amend the Rwanda plan if Ministers do not step in to strengthen it.
Sunak criticizes Labour's green spending plan
Rishi Sunak has repeatedly attacked Labour's plan to spend £28 billion a year on green projects if they win power. He accuses Keir Starmer of lacking a plan and sniping from the sidelines instead. Sunak emphasizes that voters face a choice at the next election between the Tories and going back to "square one" under Starmer's leadership.
