Former Tory Chairman Vows to Stop Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Bill
Lord Deben’s Opposition
A former Tory chairman, Lord Deben, is vehemently opposing Rishi Sunak’s latest Rwanda Bill, pledging to “fight until the very end” to prevent its passage. Lord Deben, who served under Margaret Thatcher, criticized the current government’s actions, labeling them as “unconservative.”
Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled in November that declaring Rwanda as a safe country for asylum seekers was unlawful. Lord Deben expressed his strong disagreement with this decision, stating, “I shall fight it until the very end because I think it is one of the worst things that you can do to pretend that governments can decide the truth.”
Margaret Thatcher’s Hypothetical Reaction
Lord Deben speculated on how former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher would have reacted to the Safety of Rwanda Bill, suggesting that she would have opposed it due to her belief in the rule of law. He emphasized that Mrs. Thatcher valued the principle of the rule of law, which he feels is lacking in the current government’s actions.
Criticism of Rishi Sunak
Taking a swipe at Rishi Sunak, Lord Deben questioned the Conservative Party’s adherence to conservative values under its current leadership. He insinuated that Mrs. Thatcher herself would have disapproved of the direction the party is taking, particularly regarding the Safety of Rwanda Bill.
Opposition from Tory Heavyweights
Several prominent figures from the Thatcher era, including Lord Tugendhat and Lord Ken Clarke, have voiced strong opposition to Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Bill during debates in the House of Lords. Lord Tugendhat criticized the bill, stating that it goes against the principles upheld by Margaret Thatcher and warning of dangerous precedents it may set.
Concerns Over Constitutional Implications
Lord Ken Clarke expressed grave concerns about the constitutional implications of the government’s attempt to pass the Rwanda Bill. He highlighted the need to uphold the rule of law and expressed hope that the courts would intervene if the legislation proceeds. Lord Clarke emphasized the importance of preventing such a bill from becoming law.
Legal Challenge and Hope for Rejection
Both Lord Tugendhat and Lord Clarke raised the possibility of a legal challenge to the Rwanda Bill, with hopes that it would be struck down if passed. They underscored the significance of respecting democratic principles and avoiding legislation that undermines established norms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding Rwanda?
The Supreme Court declared in November that declaring Rwanda a safe country for asylum seekers was unlawful.
What was Lord Deben’s stance on the Safety of Rwanda Bill?
Lord Deben opposed the Rwanda Bill, vowing to fight against it due to his belief that governments should not determine the truth.
How did Lord Deben speculate Margaret Thatcher would have reacted to the bill?
Lord Deben suggested that Margaret Thatcher would have opposed the Safety of Rwanda Bill, as she believed in upholding the rule of law.
Which prominent figures criticized Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Bill?
Lord Tugendhat and Lord Ken Clarke, among others, expressed strong opposition to the Rwanda Bill in the House of Lords.
What concerns were raised about the Rwanda Bill’s constitutional implications?
Concerns were raised about the bill’s potential to undermine the rule of law and set dangerous precedents by figures like Lord Tugendhat and Lord Ken Clarke.
