Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, has expressed determination to overcome the challenges posed by "domestic blockers" who are attempting to obstruct his Rwanda migrant plan. In a meeting with Rwanda's President, Paul Kagame, Sunak emphasized the need for the country to prepare for flights as part of the plan.
Ending the "Merry-Go-Round"
The primary objective of Sunak's plan is to put an end to the "merry-go-round" of migrant boats crossing the English Channel, which has been costing taxpayers billions of pounds. To achieve this, the Chancellor and his team are working on new paperwork to declare Rwanda as a safe destination for migrants, following the Supreme Court's ruling against the previous scheme last month.
Strengthening the Partnership
Rishi Sunak recently had a meeting with President Paul Kagame at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates to discuss and finalize the arrangements for the plan. Sunak expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating, "It was good to check in with him on that and reiterate both of our commitment to making the partnership work."
The Cost of Housing Migrants
The bill for accommodating migrants in hotels currently stands at a staggering £8 million per day, amounting to approximately £3 billion annually. Sunak's plan aims to significantly reduce these costs by deterring illegal crossings.
Urgency and Determination
Rishi Sunak's patience is wearing thin due to delays in implementing the plan. He sees the plan as a necessary deterrent to stop the boats from crossing the Channel illegally. The Chancellor assured the public that the necessary legislation will be introduced swiftly and clearly, and he expects the scheme to be up and running soon.
