Government's Habit of Being Too Late
One of the frustrations with the current government is its tendency to act too late. This is particularly evident in the case of the Rwanda deportation policy. Despite being advised to take certain actions, the government has failed to do so, and now faces even greater obstacles as an election looms.
Missed Opportunities in the Borders Bill
Amendments were proposed in this year's Borders bill that would have prevented the Supreme Court from blocking the Rwanda scheme. In the United Kingdom, the highest form of law is that passed by Parliament, and the courts cannot override it. Despite this, the government chose not to make these amendments, taking the risk of winning in court. The question is why?
Hubris or Squeamishness?
There are two possible explanations for the government's decision. It could be a result of hubris, with the Prime Minister and his legal advisers being overconfident in their ability to win. Alternatively, it could be squeamishness, with the government not wanting to upset the international elite who prioritize international symposiums over domestic democracy. Regardless of the reason, the decision has not worked in their favor.
Lack of Preparation
The government's lack of foresight is evident in its failure to introduce emergency legislation or a new bill to address the Rwanda deportation policy. With time running out and no clear plan in place, it is highly unlikely that the scheme will be operational before the next election. This poses a risk to Rishi Sunak's majority, making prompt action essential.
Prompt Introduction of Emergency Legislation
To address this issue, emergency legislation needs to be introduced promptly. This legislation should provide explicit authority for deportations to Rwanda and amend any other laws that are seen as obstacles, including the Human Rights Act. While it may face challenges in the House of Lords or the courts, it will become a key issue in the upcoming election campaign.
Focus on Legal Migration
While the Rwanda deportation policy may dominate headlines, it is important not to overlook the issue of legal migration. With levels of legal migration being around 15 times higher than that of small boats, reducing this should be a priority. Unlike the Rwanda scheme, addressing legal migration does not require parliamentary or legal fuss, and it has a greater societal and economic impact.
