Whole Tory cabinet knew Rwanda Bill wouldn't work, Robert Jenrick claims
- Robert Jenrick, a Conservative leadership hopeful, stated that all senior government ministers were aware that the Rwanda deportation policy would not succeed.
- His resignation from Rishi Sunak's government came at the end of 2023 after expressing his belief that the proposed measures were inadequate.
- Jenrick's remarks highlight the internal dissent within the cabinet regarding the effectiveness of immigration policies.
In October 2024, Robert Jenrick, a Conservative leadership contender, revealed in a televised interview that he believed every senior member of the previous cabinet knew the Rwanda deportation bill would fail. Speaking on the Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge, Jenrick chose to resign from Rishi Sunak's government at the end of 2023, citing an ethical conflict that arose from having to support a policy he felt was ineffective. Jenrick expressed his discontent with the internal dynamics of the cabinet at the time, implying that everyone involved in the decision deliberately ignored the policy's shortcomings. This statement suggests a significant level of disillusionment and disagreement among senior officials regarding the direction of immigration policy under the Conservative government. He envisioned a stricter approach towards immigration that includes instituting a legally enforced limit on the number of migrants. Additionally, Jenrick proposed exploring the possibility of departure from the European Convention on Human Rights, which he believes might constrain effective management of immigration policies. Jenrick's comments reflect not only personal convictions about policy effectiveness but also a broader concern about the treatment of asylum seekers and children within the system, emphasizing the need for compassionate yet firm immigration policies as the Conservative Party looks to renew its stance in the political landscape.