There is opposition toward the Rwanda bill from various groups within the Conservative Party, particularly on the more right-wing side of the political spectrum. Tory MPs expressed discontent, with Daniel Kawczynski drawing attention to what he sees as a concerning connection between the Conservative Party and the Rwanda government. He voiced reservations about Rwanda supporting the M23 terrorist organization, urging the government to reconsider the selection of Rwanda as a destination for asylum-seekers. Kawczynski also noted regular delegations of Conservative MPs engaging in humanitarian projects and building links with Rwanda, adding to his concerns about what he called an “incestuous relationship.”
The bill in question, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, was set to be voted on in the Commons with scheduled for Tuesday. Tory MPs from the ERG, a hardline eurosceptic group, specifically questioned the bill’s adequacy in handling asylum claims. These MPs believe that the bill falls short in preventing legal issues and labeled it as requiring “very significant amendments” to be effective. They urged the prime minister to withdraw it, with chairman, Mark Francois, suggesting the development of an alternative bill. The group identified concerns about the allocation of illegal migrants if another party comes to power in the upcoming election.
Mr. Kawczynski expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the need to signal opposition to criminal gangs. He also suggested that Rwanda might be the first of several nations to collaborate in preventing the migration crisis. Likewise, he pointed out the importance of pressing the European Court of Human Rights and internal courts, paving the way for the possible expansion of the program in Rwanda and consideration of additional alternatives. He even suggested the Conservative party might reenter the European Union if the Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, should win, increasing a potential influx of immigrants that he said the UK might struggle to accommodate.
With a general election expected next year, the vote on the bill may be crucial in determining the direction of the Conservative Party.