Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of Rwanda-bound asylum legislation, calling it doomed to failure. This follows his resignation over a

lack of confidence in the proposed law, marking his first public commentary on the issue since stepping down.

Scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, the legislation aimed at permitting the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda has drawn both support and criticism within parliament. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged MPs to back the bill, arguing it's the sole means to prevent legal hurdles that impede flights carrying asylum seekers to Rwanda.

However, differing opinions within Parliament reflect a divided stance. While some believe the legislation is too stringent, others, including Jenrick, feel it doesn't go far enough. In his critique, Jenrick highlighted that the proposed law fails the test of resolving legal challenges, thereby halting the deportation of asylum seekers who enter the UK illegally, particularly those arriving via small boats across the English Channel.

Jenrick's perspective touches on the broader immigration landscape, suggesting that untangling the UK from intricate international frameworks could streamline border control. He noted the unfettered legislative power of the UK Parliament and criticized opposition to tough immigration measures, citing misconceptions about the cultural benefits of mass immigration.

The former minister also cautioned right-wing politicians, emphasizing the importance of addressing public concerns about immigration to avoid voter discontent.

In response to Jenrick's resignation, Sunak reaffirmed his confidence in the legislation during a news conference. He defended the bill as the toughest immigration law, restricting individual legal challenges for asylum seekers arriving via small boats unless they can substantiate a "real and imminent risk of serious and irreversible harm."

Jenrick's editorial reiterated concerns about allowing such challenges, arguing it provides avenues for asylum seekers to delay their removal, with legal firms facilitating these efforts.

The proposed legislation aims to designate Rwanda as a safe country and grants ministers powers to bypass certain sections of human rights laws. This follows a treaty between the UK and Rwanda, guaranteeing safety for relocated individuals.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have raised concerns about a £100m payment to Rwanda, calling for an investigation into potential breaches of the ministerial code. Labour, on the other hand, has promised to abandon the Rwanda scheme if elected, opting for enhanced border security measures instead.

Jenrick dismissed Labour's stance as "laughable" in addressing the complex challenges posed by immigration in the modern era. Photo by GATETE Pacifique