Theresa May Slams Rwanda Deportation Plan as ‘Dangerous’
Former Home Secretary Theresa May blasted the government’s controversial plan to send some migrants 4,000 miles away to Rwanda. Speaking in the Commons, May warned the policy could fuel the trafficking of women and children.
Home Secretary Priti Patel Faces Fierce Backlash
Under fire in Parliament, Home Secretary Priti Patel stuck to her guns, insisting the Rwanda scheme is legal and necessary. She claims it will disrupt people-smuggling gangs and slash dangerous Channel crossings in small boats.
“I do not support the removal to Rwanda policy,” said Ms May. “Does she not believe, and where is her evidence, that this will not simply lead to an increase in the trafficking of women and children?”
Patel fired back, offering to meet May to discuss concerns, sparking jeers from MPs gathered for her ministerial statement.
Costly Asylum System Driving Tougher Measures
Patel highlighted that the cost of the UK’s asylum system is at a two-decade high, straining public services. She urged MPs to back her plan, stressing asylum access should depend on genuine need – not those able to pay people smugglers.
She promised that those truly needing protection in Rwanda would receive up to five years of support backed by UK investment.
Opposition and Church Leaders Slam Policy as ‘Cruel’
- Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper: Called the scheme “unethical and unworkable,” accusing Patel of failing to provide clear costs and accusing her of distracting from years of failure. “She promised three years ago to halve Channel crossings; instead, they’ve increased tenfold.”
- SNP spokesperson Stuart McDonald: Decried the plan as “cruel and catastrophic,” saying it won’t stop smugglers but will harm vulnerable asylum seekers.
- Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby: Declared in his Easter sermon the policy “could not stand up to the judgment of God,” condemning the UK for “subcontracting out our responsibilities” by sending migrants far away.
More than 160 charities and campaign groups have labelled the scheme “shamefully cruel,” pressing the government to scrap it amid mounting opposition from Tory MPs and opposition parties alike.
