Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revealed whether the election announcement will affect his promise to get Rwanda flights off the ground by July.
Prime Minister’s Rwanda Announcement
After confirming a general election will take place on July 4th this year, the Prime Minister answered questions surrounding his contentious Rwanda scheme.
Sunak’s Surprise Press Conference
On the 22nd May, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a press conference outside Downing Street in the pouring rain, confirming what had been anticipated for months.
Taking Labour by Surprise
The announcement of the general election even took the Labour Party by surprise, despite mounting pressure to “call it” from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Questions Around Rwanda Flights
Following the surprise election announcement, many questions arose surrounding the Rwanda flights that Sunak said would take off within weeks.
Rwanda Scheme Passed Through Law
After months of debate between Lords and MPs, the Rwanda scheme was finally passed through British law.
Plans for Flights to Takeoff
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak proudly announced that flights to Rwanda would take off within “10-12 weeks.”
Will Sunak Fulfill His Promise?
This pledge was made 10 weeks before the scheduled election, and Sunak has now revealed whether he will fulfil it.
Sunak Denies Rwanda Flights Before Election
Sunak was later interviewed by LBC Radio after the election announcement, claiming that Rwanda flights would take off in July, but not before July 4th.
Rwanda as a “Deterrence”
According to the Prime Minister, “The first flights will go in July…and there will be a drumbeat of flights over the summer to build a deterrence.”
Doubling Down on Flight Delay
Sunak continued to be pressured by the interviewer before asserting “I’ve said the first flights will go in July….after the election.”
Labour’s Response to “Gimmick”
Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer has already made his feelings clear about the Rwanda scheme, calling it a “gimmick” and issuing a clear statement.
Starmer Insists No Rwanda Flights Under Labour
Sir Starmer, who is tipped to win the election and become the next Prime Minister, has already assured voters that no Rwanda flights would take off under a Labour government.
Labour to “Cancel” Rwanda Scheme
The Labour leader has said repeatedly that Labour would “cancel the scheme straight away” if they won the election.
Sunak to Push Rwanda Scheme on 5th July
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a BBC interview just before his Rwanda announcement that he would push the scheme on the first day after the election.
Rwanda Scheme to Get “Up and Running”
“If I’m re-elected as Prime Minister on July 5, these flights will go, we will get our Rwanda scheme up and running,” the Prime Minister insisted.
Sunak’s Rwanda Backlash
Sunak has faced major backlash for his Rwanda Bill, including multiple MPs resigning or defecting to another Party.
Former Tory MP Defects to Labour
Former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke was recently welcomed into the Labour Party after ditching the Tories on grounds that Sunak’s immigration policies weren’t effective.
Labour Backlash After Right-Wing Welcome
Starmer’s decision to welcome Elphicke came with its own scrutiny due to her right-wing views and support for her husband during a domestic violence case.
Lee Anderson’s Controversial Switch
Another controversial figure to defect due to Sunak’s immigration policy was former Tory MP Lee Anderson, who switched allegiance to Reform UK after he was suspended.
A Waste of Time?
Sunak’s push for the Rwanda Bill to be passed could prove to be a waste of public money and government time if Labour gains power.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Fred Duval.