PM Takes Charge of Talks at G20 Summit
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has ruled out the possibility of granting more student visas in exchange for a trade deal with India. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is set to meet with Indian leader Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in New Delhi, where the terms of an agreement are expected to be discussed. Downing Street has moved quickly to quash fears that the deal would result in a surge of student visas, amid growing opposition from Conservative party members. Several senior Tories have warned Sunak that relaxing border controls would lead to internal divisions within their party. Home Secretary Suella Braverman had already spoken out against inviting more migrants to Britain during a Cabinet meeting earlier this week. In response to the concerns, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated, "To be crystal clear, there are no plans to change our immigration policy to achieve this free trade agreement – that includes student visas. That has always been the case, but we are happy to provide reassurance." The spokesperson confirmed that the focus is solely on business visas, adding, "The mobility provisions that are considered as part of trade deals as standard are related to the temporary movement of business. We are not looking to change our approach to student visas as part of this."
Government Committed to Reducing Net Migration
With migration hitting 1.2 million people last year and becoming a prominent issue in politics, Rishi Sunak remains committed to reducing these numbers, according to his official spokesman. The Prime Minister regards the current levels of migration as too high and is working in tandem with the Home Secretary and the Immigration Minister to address the issue.
UK Aims to be First European Country with Indian Trade Deal
Rishi Sunak is eager to seal a trade deal with India before the end of the year, a move that would make Britain the first European country to have such an agreement in place. The Prime Minister, who has Indian heritage, is expected to receive a warm welcome in New Delhi, with his face being plastered on posters throughout the city. Acknowledging the significance of the visit, the PM's spokesperson stated, "The Prime Minister's visit to New Delhi will also, of course, be his first to India since he took office as the first British Prime Minister of Indian descent. His visit will be a historic moment and a powerful reminder of the living bridge that exists between our two countries." The spokesperson reiterated the PM's commitment to achieving a free trade agreement that benefits the people of Britain.
Tory MPs Ready to Stage Rebellion over Immigration
While plans for a trade deal with India are underway, Conservative MPs in the UK are privately preparing to stage a rebellion if Rishi Sunak makes concessions on immigration to secure the agreement. Granting thousands more student visas, in particular, is viewed as a potential trigger for internal divisions within the party. One MP from the "Red Wall" constituencies warned, "There would be mutiny in the ranks if the PM opened the immigration floodgates to get this deal done. It would be utter madness."
Sunak to Address Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
In addition to trade discussions, Rishi Sunak will use the summit as an opportunity to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While India has taken a neutral stance and maintained ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sunak aims to persuade Prime Minister Modi to take stronger action against Russia. Sunak's spokesperson stated, "We will use every opportunity to show our support for Ukraine and further foster global support as well. I think India, of course, has a vital role to play as the world's largest democracy, calling out Russia's assault on human rights and indeed democracy itself, and we will use meetings with Modi or elsewhere to encourage them to use that influence to bring an end to the brutal invasion."
