Rishi Sunak expressed serious reservations about Rwanda proposal, according to documents

Newly revealed documents suggest that Rishi Sunak, former Chancellor of the Exchequer and current Prime Minister, had doubts about the plan to send migrants to Rwanda. The papers indicate that Sunak wanted to scale back the original plans and was not convinced that the scheme would effectively deter Channel crossings. They also suggest that he was hesitant to fund reception centers for migrants, preferring to use cheaper hotels or private housing. Despite these doubts, Sunak has made the Rwanda plan a top priority since becoming Prime Minister. The scheme, which aims to process and potentially resettle asylum seekers in Rwanda, was first announced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in April 2022. Legal challenges have delayed the implementation of the plan, and no asylum seekers have been sent to Rwanda so far. The documents, prepared in March 2022, reveal Sunak's concerns about the cost of the scheme and his desire to limit the number of asylum seekers sent initially. They also highlight a difference of opinion between No 10 and 11 Downing Street on the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The papers suggest that Sunak preferred dispersing migrants around the country rather than establishing dedicated reception centers. The documents also mention that No 10 suggested Sunak consider his popularity with the base if he was reluctant to support changes to the migration system, including the Rwanda plan. Despite being ruled unlawful by the UK Supreme Court, the Prime Minister is determined to change the law to enable flights to Rwanda. However, these revelations about Sunak's doubts may prove troublesome, particularly as some right-wing MPs have urged him to take even more drastic measures to prevent Channel crossings, potentially even leaving the European Convention on Human Rights. Sunak's doubts over the plan undermine the credibility of the Rwanda scheme, and opponents argue that the government is focusing on gimmicks rather than addressing the root causes of illegal migration. The Labour Party has criticized Sunak for approving an expensive plan that he previously resisted, calling for a focus on tackling criminal smuggling gangs and strengthening border security. The Rwanda scheme, which was meant to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing, granting them refugee status or offering alternative pathways to settlement or asylum in other safe third countries, has yet to be implemented due to legal challenges. The government argues that the policy would deter people from using illegal and dangerous methods to enter the UK, such as crossing the Channel in small boats. Sunak has emphasized stopping these boat crossings as a key priority, and he remains committed to reviving the Rwanda plan following the resignation of immigration minister Robert Jenrick.