Rwanda scheme: Unworkable, immoral and extortionately expensive
The Conservatives’ Rwanda Scheme has passed its final stage in Parliament. The Liberal Democrats have always opposed this unworkable, immoral and extortionately expensive scheme.
It betrays the UK’s proud tradition of providing sanctuary to refugees fleeing war and persecution. It’s wasted millions of taxpayers’ money already, despite no flights taking off. And it will do nothing to stop dangerous Channel crossings or combat people smuggling and human trafficking.
Liberal Democrat MPs and peers have worked tirelessly to block the Bill at every step. Their efforts in the Lords led to key amendments that significantly delayed its passage but these were also genuine attempts to improve this deeply flawed Bill, by amending some of the most damaging provisions.
While the Bill will now become law, our fight continues. Instead of wasting millions on a policy which will never work, the government should be focusing on tackling the asylum backlog and creating safe and legal routes for refugees.
Liberal Democrats have a clear plan to do just that, which can be read here:
The Rwanda scheme doesn’t solve anything - we need to push for real solutions. If Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives can’t get a grip, they need to call an election now! The Rwanda scheme is a colossal failure, no matter how much the Conservatives spin it.
Harry Boparai, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Spelthorne said "The Liberal Democrats will continue to make the case for safe, legal routes which will stop the dangerous Channel crossings. No-one will risk their lives crossing the channel in a dinghy if they can make their claim for asylum in France. If there were safe routes the criminal gangs will have no customers. Liberal Democrats will also treat asylum seekers with compassion & dignity - not as political footballs to win votes."
For a guide to the Rwanda Plan including a comprehensive list of what is wrong with it visit the Best for Britain website.
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