UK: Migrants, Votes, and High Stakes

By ToniAnn Izzo

Leggi in Italiano

Three weeks ago, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a surprise snap election, months before the expected date, to be held on July 4th, 2024.

This sudden move has left many puzzled, especially with the Labour Party leading by nearly 20 points in current polls. Even members of Sunak’s own party are scrambling to prepare, feeling unready for the abrupt election.

As the UK elections approach, it is imperative to delve into Sunak’s controversial immigration plan, which forms the cornerstone of his re-election for MP campaign.

Sunak’s Immigration Plan

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made immigration reform the cornerstone of his campaign. His proposal to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda has sparked a lot of debate and controversy. This plan, initially proposed and attempted previously, faced legal challenges and was deemed unsafe.

However, Sunak revised and reintroduced the proposal, which eventually passed and became law on April 25, 2024, with the government’s Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act receiving Royal Assent.

Despite the passing of the law, Sunak has delayed the first flights until after the elections. This delay raises questions about his motives. Is this a strategic move to avoid backlash before the elections?

Or is it that Sunak might be using the snap election as a way to evade fulfilling his controversial promise that he has so heavily backed his campaign on?

While he claims flights are ready to go and he is just waiting on the election, that he moved up, to be completed, the order of everything seems strange. The unusual timing suggests there may be a calculated strategy behind his decision. What could his true intentions be?

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, has vowed to block the flights if he wins the election. Starmer claims these flights are a gimmick that will not work and will cost a fortune.

It is projected that Britain will spend about $600 million on the first 300 migrants that go to Rwanda. As of right now, out of all the parties and potential MP’s, the Labour party is leading so these flights that Sunak is promising may never even take off.

Impact on Northern Ireland and Ireland

The fear of being sent to Rwanda has driven many asylum seekers to flee to Northern Ireland. These migrants are now living in tent cities, finding it safer than staying in UK migrant facilities.

The influx of asylum seekers has overwhelmed Ireland, leading to a humanitarian crisis with tent cities springing up as the country struggles to provide adequate housing.

Ireland, facing the brunt of this crisis, seeks to return these asylum seekers to the UK. However, the UK government has shown no interest in taking them back, thickening the tensions between Northern Ireland and the UK.

International Implications

Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform Party, and candidate for an MP position in the upcoming election, has dubbed this election “the immigration election,” showing how much this issue is one of the main focuses in the current political landscape.

The outcome of this election will be closely watched by other countries, particularly the US, which is struggling with its own migrant influx.

The precedent set by the UK’s handling of asylum seekers could influence global immigration policies. Though the UN has asked the UK to reconsider this plan, as of right now it looks like it will be carried out.

With the UK elections on the horizon, the controversial Rwanda asylum plan remains a pivotal issue. As Sunak seeks MP re-election and the potential prime minister seat again, the nation and the world are watching closely to see how this policy will unfold.

Whether this plan is a genuine solution to immigration challenges or a political maneuver will soon be revealed as voters head to the polls on July 4th.

Toni Ann Izzo

I am a political science enthusiast from New York City with a passion for global politics.

I aim to spark interest in young people, who are the most impacted by today’s political decisions by  making complex issues understandable and engaging.

I bring a fresh perspective to political discussions to make politics fun and accessible for the next generation.

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