Logo
    Search

    Is the Tories' Rwanda deal dead? Politics Weekly UK

    en-gbNovember 16, 2023

    Podcast Summary

    • Unexpected challenges to exceptional experiencesUnexpected events can add to political instability, but it's crucial to remember that such moments are not unprecedented and to keep moving forward.

      Exceptional experiences can inspire us to do extraordinary things, whether it's designing a unique engagement ring online or embarking on a new adventure with a capable vehicle like the Lexus GX. However, even the most exceptional plans can face unexpected challenges, as demonstrated by the UK government's Rwanda asylum seeker policy being ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. These unforeseen events can add to the ongoing political instability in the Conservative Party, creating a sense of permacrisis. Despite the drama, it's essential to remember that such moments are not unprecedented and that the show must go on. For more insightful discussions on current events, tune in to Politics Weekly UK on The Guardian.

    • UK's Rwanda deportation plan declared unlawful by Supreme CourtThe UK Supreme Court ruled that the government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful due to insufficient legal framework, costing the government £140 million.

      The UK government's plan to reduce illegal immigration by deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda has been declared unlawful by the Supreme Court. This setback, which comes after rulings in the High Court and Court of Appeal, is a significant blow to Rishi Sunak's immigration policy and has cost the government £140,000,000 in payments to Rwanda. The crux of the legal matter revolves around the concept of "reformat," or the idea that asylum seekers could be returned to their countries of origin. The courts have ruled that a memorandum of understanding between the UK and Rwanda is not sufficient to ensure this, and a treaty is required instead. This development leaves the government in a challenging position as they try to reassure the public that the planned flights will still happen, despite the legal uncertainty. The Rwanda policy was seen as a key pledge for the Tory party, particularly in the context of immigration concerns, and its failure could have political implications.

    • UK's Rwanda asylum plan faces legal challengesDespite the UK government's efforts to implement its plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, numerous legal hurdles persist, including concerns over human rights and potential breaches of domestic and international laws, involvement of the UN, and uncertainty surrounding the European Court of Human Rights.

      The UK government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda faces significant challenges both domestically and internationally. The Home Office's initial memorandum was found insufficient by the courts due to concerns over human rights in Rwanda and potential breaches of various domestic and international laws. The UN's involvement in the case further complicates matters. To move forward, the government plans to turn the memorandum into a treaty and pass domestic legislation, but even with these steps, they could still face challenges from the European Court of Human Rights. Rishi Sunak's recent press conference included a promise to introduce emergency legislation and ignore the European court if necessary, but it remains unclear if this will be enough to placate conservative backbenchers or actually result in the flights starting in the spring. Overall, the situation is complex and uncertain, with many legal threads to be pulled and potential obstacles to be addressed.

    • UK's new PM overemphasizes Rwanda deportation plan, underestimates diplomacyRishi Sunak's focus on deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda may overshadow diplomatic efforts to reduce migrant crossings. Critics question the feasibility of his 'stop the boats' pledge and raise concerns about potential damage to UK's international relationships.

      The UK's new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, may have overemphasized the controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, while underestimating the importance of diplomacy and agreements with European countries to reduce the number of migrant crossings. Sunak's pledge to "stop the boats" has been criticized as unrealistic, given the complex global forces at play. Additionally, his recent statement about potentially overriding the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) raises concerns about international implications and the UK's relationships with allies, including the United States and the European Union. The new Home Secretary, James Cleverley, has also expressed reservations about withdrawing from the ECHR. The political instability in the UK is causing despair among its allies, who are looking for a reliable partner in global crises.

    • UK Conservative Party's Internal Turmoil: Leadership Changes and DisillusionmentThe Conservative Party in the UK is facing significant internal turmoil, with frequent leadership changes, disillusioned members, and accusations of broken promises. The party's relationship with influential newspapers and its struggle over the meaning of sovereignty are also contributing factors.

      The Conservative Party in the UK is currently experiencing significant internal turmoil, with frequent leadership changes and a deep sense of disillusionment among some members. The latest resignation of Suella Braverman as home secretary and her accusations of betrayal against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have added to this turmoil. Yvette Cooper, a former home secretary, expressed her belief that Sunak never truly believed in the Rwanda plan and may have made empty promises on various policies. Despite the potential threat posed by Braverman and her allies, many Conservative MPs believe that another change in leadership would be disastrous for the party, especially if they are to lose the next election. The Conservative Party's relationship with the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph, which have historically influenced the party's choices, remains a significant factor. The mental struggle within the party over what sovereignty means, particularly in the context of Brexit, is also a major issue. The changing of leaders has become a habit, and some members have given up on winning the next election, instead focusing on the expected leadership election afterwards. The lack of external checks and balances may be enabling the party to behave in ways that are disconnected from the rest of the country.

    • UK PM's Inflation Success Fails to Improve Public PerceptionDespite halving inflation, Rishi Sunak's government faces deep malaise due to public's loss of trust over pandemic handling. Keir Starmer's leadership faces rebellion over Israel-Hamas ceasefire amendment, adding to his woes.

      The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is facing a deeper malaise in public perception despite his recent success in halving inflation. This perception stems from the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing loss of trust. Meanwhile, in political news, the House of Commons witnessed a dramatic night as eight frontbenchers quit their positions and defied Keir Starmer's leadership to support a ceasefire amendment in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This rebellion puts additional pressure on Starmer's position, which has been under scrutiny for over a month due to growing dissent among counselors and concerns from MPs representing constituencies with large Muslim populations.

    • Significant rebellion against Labour leadership over Gaza conflict8 Labour MPs, including Jess Phillips and Afzal Khan, resigned due to the party's handling of the Gaza conflict, putting pressure on Starmer to maintain party balance.

      The resignations of Jess Phillips and Afzal Khan, along with 56 other Labour MPs, mark a significant rebellion against the party leadership over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Phillips, a centrist and member of the Labour Friends of Israel, expressed her disappointment and the difficulty she faced in trying to stay within the team. Khan, a party loyalist, felt the pressure from his constituents and believed it was necessary to take a stand. Starmer, who had previously celebrated the broad church nature of Labour's frontbench, will now face challenges in maintaining that balance. The resignations come as a blow to Starmer, especially since Phillips and Khan have been loyal to his leadership until now. The emotional issue of the conflict in Gaza may make it difficult for MPs to go against their colleagues who have taken a stance.

    • Labour Party leader Keir Starmer faces pressure to support ceasefire, hesitant to take a positionLabour Party leader Keir Starmer faces internal pressure to support a ceasefire but hesitant due to potential conflict with govt and US. Rebellion from MPs results in loss of front bench roles, impacting leadership and authority. Public focus on domestic issues may lessen crisis impact.

      Keir Starmer, the UK Labour Party leader, is facing internal pressure from his MPs to support a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, but he has yet to use the term. Starmer has been closely following international discussions on the matter and is hesitant to take a position that might put him at odds with the government and the US administration. The rebellion from Labour MPs over this issue has resulted in a significant loss of front bench roles for the party, which could potentially harm Starmer's leadership and authority. However, the public's focus on domestic issues may mean that this crisis will not be remembered in a year's time. Ultimately, the Labour Party, as an opposition party, can only stand for something and influence the government's position on the conflict to some extent. It remains to be seen whether the public will view Starmer's handling of the crisis as a demonstration of his leadership and beliefs.

    • Growing businesses and simplifying gift-givingShopify assists businesses in expanding online and offline, while 1-800-Flowers offers convenient gift-giving with free shipping and rewards

      Shopify and 1-800-Flowers are valuable tools for entrepreneurs and gift-givers, respectively, in growing their businesses and making their lives easier. Shopify is a comprehensive global commerce platform that assists businesses in expanding from their online shop to their first physical store and beyond, with features like the Internet's best converting checkout and a $1 per month trial period. 1-800-Flowers, on the other hand, is a one-stop shopping site for gifts, offering free shipping on thousands of items and rewards for frequent gift-giving through their Celebrations Passport program. Both companies aim to help their customers succeed in their endeavors, whether it's growing a business or making gift-giving more convenient and rewarding. So, whether you're looking to sell online or buy gifts for loved ones, consider giving Shopify and 1-800-Flowers a try.

    Recent Episodes from Politics Weekly UK

    Keir Starmer: new deal, new drama? Politics Weekly UK

    Keir Starmer: new deal, new drama? Politics Weekly UK
    The Labour leader has managed to stem a potential showdown with trade union leaders this week over wording on a workers’ rights deal. If this is a dress rehearsal for Labour in government, how has Keir Starmer and his party fared? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by the columnist Polly Toynbee and Marc Stears, a former Labour party speechwriter and UCL Policy Lab director. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Politics Weekly Westminster: Rishi Sunak’s big security pitch

    Politics Weekly Westminster: Rishi Sunak’s big security pitch
    The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk about Rishi Sunak’s big speech on security and how he hopes to draw a dividing line between the Conservatives and Labour. And Keir Starmer will meet union bosses on Tuesday but anger is brewing over Natalie Elphicke and rumours about Labour’s plan to water down pledges on workers’ rights. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Tory defections, economic challenges and council winners – Politics Weekly UK

    Tory defections, economic challenges and council winners – Politics Weekly UK
    The Conservatives have been left bloodied after a devastating set of local election results. This week, John Harris speaks to councillors about what’s really going on for them in their area. Plus, he speaks to the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff about another Tory defection to Labour, and the Labour party’s attempt to take the crown for economic responsibility. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Politics Weekly Westminster: Election special – podcast

    Politics Weekly Westminster: Election special – podcast
    In the first of our Politics Weekly Westminster episodes, the Guardian’s political editor Pippa Crerar and political correspondent Kiran Stacey go over the big wins and losses from the local and mayoral elections. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Coming 5 May: Politics Weekly Westminster – an extra podcast episode to get your political fix

    Coming 5 May: Politics Weekly Westminster – an extra podcast episode to get your political fix
    The Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and the political correspondent Kiran Stacey help you kick off your week with the stories you need to know from inside Westminster Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Local elections road trip: Thurrock – Politics Weekly UK

    Local elections road trip: Thurrock – Politics Weekly UK
    In the run-up to the local elections this week, the Guardian columnist John Harris is in Thurrock where the council has amassed more than £1.5bn in debt since 2022. He speaks to people facing swingeing cuts and asks whether the vote on Thursday will make any difference to their lives. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Sicknote culture wars and Angela Rayner – Politics Weekly UK

    Sicknote culture wars and Angela Rayner – Politics Weekly UK
    Rishi Sunak has said it is his ‘moral mission’ to end Britain’s sicknote culture. The Guardian’s John Harris speaks to the disability campaigner Hannah Deakin and the New Economics Foundation’s head of social policy, Tom Pollard, about why the current system is failing people. Plus, the political correspondent Kiran Stacey runs us through the latest from Westminster. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Cameron and Truss: former PMs stage their comebacks – Politics Weekly UK

    Cameron and Truss: former PMs stage their comebacks – Politics Weekly UK
    How much should Britain get involved in the conflict in the Middle East? The Guardian’s John Harris is joined by the columnist Gaby Hinsliff and former national security adviser Peter Ricketts to talk about the fallout from Iran’s attack on Israel at the weekend. Plus, John talks to Gaby about smoking bans, NatCon and Liz Truss’s new book. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    David Cameron, Donald Trump and UK Arms Sales – Politics Weekly UK podcast

    David Cameron, Donald Trump and UK Arms Sales – Politics Weekly UK podcast
    David Cameron made a surprise visit to Mar-a-Largo this week to visit Donald Trump. John Harris is joined by the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and the diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour, to get the latest on the meeting. And as international pressure continues to build on Israel, John speaks to a former Israeli peace negotiator, Daniel Levy, on whether there is a pathway to end the war. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Related Episodes

    Johnson’s latest lockdown dilemma: Politics Weekly podcast

    Johnson’s latest lockdown dilemma: Politics Weekly podcast
    Jessica Elgot and Zoe Williams look at the arguments for and against lifting England’s last Covid restrictions on 21 June; Libby Brooks, Dani Garavelli and Kezia Dugdale discuss the newly elected Scottish parliament; plus Aubrey Allegretti talks to Sajjad Karim about the Tory Islamophobia report published last week. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Hung up on a hung parliament – Politics Weekly UK

    Hung up on a hung parliament – Politics Weekly UK
    Keir Starmer and Ed Davey have both refused to rule out forming a coalition between their parties at the next general election. Following disastrous results for the Conservatives in the local elections, what will this mean for Labour and the Liberal Democrats? The Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff, standing in for John Harris this week, asks political editor Pippa Crerar and former Conservative special advisor Salma Shah what a Labour/Lib Dem pact could look like. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

    Rishi Sunak staggers on – but for how long?

    Rishi Sunak staggers on – but for how long?
    The prime minister is another MP down after Natalie Elphicke crossed the floor to join Labour. With the Conservatives trailing by 30 points after heavy local election losses, what options does Rishi Sunak now have? Guardian political correspondent Kiran Stacey tells Helen Pidd what these losses mean for the PM, and looks at what calculation Keir Starmer made in taking in a rightwing Tory. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Britain’s not got political talent – Politics Weekly UK

    Britain’s not got political talent – Politics Weekly UK
    The Conservative leadership race has been derailed by U-turns, highlighting the weaknesses of the candidates. But with Keir Starmer also seemingly unable to decide if Labour frontbenchers should or shouldn’t join picket lines, the Guardian’s John Harris is joined by our chief political correspondent, Jessica Elgot, and Gavin Barwell the former chief of staff to Theresa May to ask why we don’t have any political leaders of substance any more. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod