The UK leader’s position is in jeopardy following the resignation of Robert Jenrick, who cited “strong disagreements with the direction” of the government’s immigration policy.
The unexpected resignation came after Rwanda issued a warning about withdrawing from a migrant treaty unless the UK adheres to international law.
Former hardline interior minister Suella Braverman added to the turmoil by giving an ultimatum to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, demanding tougher immigration measures or facing electoral defeat in the next general election.
Jenrick’s departure coincided with the publication of emergency legislation aimed at designating Rwanda as a safe country, challenging a recent UK Supreme Court decision.
In his resignation letter, Jenrick criticized the proposed laws as “a triumph of hope over experience,” emphasizing the need for stronger protections to avoid legal challenges that could undermine the intended deterrent. This was seen as a reference to Sunak’s reluctance to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The bill, part of Sunak’s administration, seeks to grant ministers the authority to disregard sections of the UK Human Rights Act and ECHR in deportation cases. However, some right-wing Tories, including Braverman, advocate for leaving the ECHR entirely.
Braverman, positioning herself as a vocal leader within the Tory right wing, urged the government to take more drastic measures against “mass, uncontrolled, illegal immigration.”
She called for blocking all legal challenges to deportations and ensuring deportation flights to Rwanda by the upcoming election.
The Tories, trailing behind the Labour party in polls ahead of the election expected in 2024, face internal divisions over immigration policies.
Braverman, a former attorney general, has been critical of international conventions on refugees and human rights legislation.
In Rwanda, Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta warned that any breach of global conventions could lead to Rwanda withdrawing from the Migration and Economic Development Partnership.
Braverman’s successor, James Cleverly, signed a new bilateral treaty on migrants with Rwanda on Tuesday.
The ongoing chaos surrounding immigration policies and internal divisions within the government have drawn criticism, with Labour’s home affairs spokeswoman Yvette Cooper describing the situation as “total chaos” and the desperate, dying days of a party in disarray.
