Theresa May Slams Rwanda Migrant Policy as ‘Dangerous’
Theresa May has launched a fierce attack on Home Secretary Priti Patel’s controversial plan to send some migrants 4,000 miles away to Rwanda. The former Prime Minister warned the scheme risks boosting the trafficking of vulnerable women and children.
Patel Battles Back in Commons Amid Heavy Criticism
Under fire in Parliament, Ms Patel insisted the policy is legal and necessary. She argued it will disrupt ruthless people-smugglers and slash dangerous Channel crossings. “The cost of the asylum system is now the highest in over 20 years,” Patel told MPs, urging them to back her plan.
She stressed the scheme targets those abusing the system, aiming to break smugglers’ “business model.” Genuine asylum seekers will get up to five years’ support in Rwanda, funded by UK investment, she added.
Opposition and Church Leaders Decry ‘Cruel’ Policy
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper branded the plan “unethical and unworkable,” accusing Patel of dodging the real costs. “She promised to halve crossings three years ago. They’ve skyrocketed tenfold,” Cooper slammed.
SNP home affairs spokesperson Stuart McDonald called it “cruel and catastrophic,” saying it won’t hurt smugglers but will devastate refugees.
Even the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, weighed in with a scathing Easter sermon. He said the UK is “subcontracting out our responsibilities” by dumping migrants thousands of miles away. “This policy cannot stand the judgment of God,” Welby declared.
Charities and MPs Demand Scrap of Rwanda Scheme
More than 160 charities and campaign groups joined calls to scrap the plan, describing it as “shamefully cruel.” Critics in both opposition and Tory ranks say the policy is divisive and dangerous, putting vulnerable people at risk while failing to stem illegal crossings.
As the debate rages on, the government faces mounting pressure to rethink its tough new approach to immigration.
