UK Minister Resigns Over Rwanda Asylum Legislation

The United Kingdom (UK) Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick has resigned, saying the government’s emergency Rwanda legislation does not go far enough.

Mr. Jenrick, who had supported Mr. Sunak’s leadership campaign, said the emergency legislation was the last opportunity to prove the government would do whatever it takes to stop small boat crossings.

In response, the prime minister described Mr. Jenrick’s resignation as disappointing and based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation.

Reports of Mr. Jenrick’s resignation first started swirling after the government published the draft bill.

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The bill – which must be approved by parliament – orders the courts to ignore key sections of the human rights act to sidestep the Supreme Court’s existing judgement.

Another clause stipulates that the bill is sovereign and its validity is unaffected by key international law instruments including the ECHR and the Refugee Convention.

The legislation was roundly criticized by Britain’s opposition Labour Party who pointed out this is the third draft legislation that the government has presented to parliament.

Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper described the government as being in “total chaos,” saying it should be focusing instead on “going after” criminal gangs smuggling people to the UK.

The next stage in the bill’s journey will see UK lawmakers debate its merits in parliament, in what is referred to as the second reading.