Boris Johnson promises to “fix the record” for Partygate’s fine in parliament next week
Boris Johnson’s government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda will save the UK money in the “long term”, the minister insisted, after reports suggested it would cost a staggering £ 30,000 a person.
In response to criticism from fellow Tory MP Andrew Mitchell, who said it would be “cheaper to house asylum seekers at the Ritz”, Minister Tom Parslow defended the proposals, which critics described as “inhuman” and “unfeasible”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today: “As we move forward, we will continue to contribute to Rwanda as cases are processed, in a way similar to the amount we are currently spending here in the UK.
“But in the long run, putting this under control should help us save money. We spend £ 5 million a day to accommodate people who cross into hotels. This is not sustainable and unacceptable and we need to keep it under control. “
Key points
- Scheme called “immoral” and “inoperative”
- The Prime Minister and Patel announce a plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda
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Interior Ministry declined to say whether objections have been raised by a senior government official over asylum policy in Rwanda
This comes after the plan – unveiled by Boris Johnson and Priti Patel on Thursday – provoked a furious response from charities and claims that it could cost taxpayers between £ 20,000 and £ 30,000 for every person sent to the Central African country.
Ashley Cowburn and May Bullman report:
Mat Matters April 15, 2022 3:25 p.m.
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The asylum plan is inhumane and will cost “billions during the cost of living crisis”
The government’s plan for Rwanda is “humane” and will cost billions of taxpayers in the UK during the “crisis of living costs”, said a Labor MP.
Fleur Anderson, who represents Putney in London, also said the plan was “an outspoken attempt by the prime minister to divert attention from Partygate”.
Matter Mathers April 15, 2022 2:35 p.m.
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ICYMI: What is Rwanda’s human rights record?
The 4,300-mile offshoring agreement with Rwanda will earn the African nation £ 120 million in the original deal, although its human rights record has already been highlighted as a major cause for concern.
Mat Matters April 15, 2022 2:10 p.m.
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Jeremy Clarkson’s beekeepers raise money to send a 4×4 to Ukraine
The first 4×4, purchased as part of a fundraising effort for Ukraine, backed by Jeremy Clarkson, was delivered before his trip to the war-torn country next week.
Viktor Zaichenko, 48, a native of Ukraine, and his wife, Lucy, 55, are beekeepers at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm in Oxfordshire.
The two are raising money to send a 4×4 to Ukraine, with the help of Clarkson and his partner Lisa Hogan.
They plan to send off-road vehicles to help areas of Ukraine cut off from the aid.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Ms. Zaichenko said: “We just want to launch trucks to help people.
“It will save people, take them to hospitals, take them to safety.”
Matter Mathers April 15, 2022 1:45 p.m.
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Sturgeon questions Ross’s ability to stand up to the government
Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon questioned the readiness of Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross to oppose the prime minister after his support for sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Interior Minister Priti Patel signed an agreement with the African state on Thursday, claiming that the asylum system “is collapsing due to a combination of real humanitarian crises and evil human smugglers”.
Speaking to the PA news agency on Friday, Mr Ross said the policy would help deter human traffickers.
But Nicolas Sturgeon spoke in support of the Tory leader, telling reporters: “Douglas Ross earlier this year spent about five minutes trying to pretend to have independence of thought from Boris Johnson and the UK government. but all the illusions about it I think was completely shattered by him.
“If he can’t even find the right way to stand up and speak out against a policy as disgusting as this, then I’m not sure what he can do to stand up to Boris Johnson or the UK government.
Mat Matters April 15, 2022 1:24 p.m.
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Boris Johnson’s plan for Rwanda to “solve” immigration will not work – that’s why
These people have crossed continents and risked everything they own and value – including their own lives – to reach Britain, writes Sean O’Grady.
Read Sean’s full piece here:
Matt Mothers April 15, 2022 1:00 p.m.
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Wakefield by-elections: Labor prepares for battle in former heart
This city will be the first constituency to vote after the Partygate scandal, writes Colin Drury.
Read Colin’s full piece here
Mat Matters April 15, 2022 12:45 p.m.
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ICYMI: Boris Johnson’s speech on asylum: what he said – and what he meant
Our chief political commentator, John Rentul, reads between the lines of the Kent prime minister’s speech this morning:
Mat Matters April 15, 2022 12:05 p.m.
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Does anyone else feel like we’re living in an episode of The Thick Of It?
As fun as it is to see actors make fun of our chosen employees, it’s really not so funny when you see these scenarios play out in real life, writes Emma Clark.
Read Emma’s full piece here:
Mat Matters April 15, 2022 11:42
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At Easter we need to reflect on the truth that politics cannot save us – even “Christian” politics
Christianity has long been used as a political weapon in world power, writes MP Tim Farran.
Read Tim’s full piece below:
Mat Matters April 15, 2022 11:11
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