Rishi Sunak, in response to the controversy surrounding his £1,000 bet with TV host Piers Morgan regarding the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, asserted that he does not consider

himself a gambling man. However, the wager has ignited widespread outrage, with MPs denouncing it as "deeply distasteful" and indicative of being "totally out of touch."

Critics from various political parties, including Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the SNP, have condemned Sunak's bet, with the SNP even reporting him for a potential breach of the ministerial code. SNP's Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, criticized the reduction of vulnerable lives to a mere bet, emphasizing the callousness of such actions. Labour echoed these sentiments, highlighting Sunak's apparent detachment from the struggles of ordinary citizens.

The bet, made during an interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, centered on Sunak's confidence in his ability to execute the deportation policy effectively. When questioned about the bet's ethical implications, Sunak admitted to being caught off guard but defended his commitment to the Rwanda policy, refraining from labeling the bet as a mistake.

Despite Sunak's attempts to justify the wager as a demonstration of his dedication to tackling illegal migration, calls for an investigation into the incident have escalated. SNP's cabinet office spokesperson, Kirsty Blackman MP, condemned Sunak's actions as "shameful" and "grotesque," calling for accountability under the ministerial code and the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

The controversy surrounding Sunak's bet adds to the challenges facing his flagship Rwanda bill, which has encountered significant opposition within his own party. Despite passing through the Commons, the bill faces uncertainty regarding its implementation timeline and legal obstacles. The outcome of these challenges could impact Sunak's political standing and the future of his premiership. Photo by SteveRwanda, Wikimedia commons.