Former Prime Minister Sir John Major has taken aim at the controversial Rwanda asylum scheme, labeling it as "un-Conservative and un-British". This criticism emerged during an interview where he elaborated on the shortcomings of the plan, which was initially introduced by the previous Tory government to deter migrants crossing the Channel by sending them to Rwanda.
Major, who helmed the UK government from 1990 to 1997, expressed his discontent with the scheme, calling it "odious" and outlining how it failed to resonate with fundamental British values. He remarked, "I thought it was un-Conservative, un-British, if one dare say, un-Christian, and unconscionable. This is not the way to treat people." His strong condemnation highlights the deep divisions within the Conservative Party's approach to immigration policy.
One of Major's main criticisms directed at the government was the flawed assumption underlying the scheme's supposed deterrent effect. He scoffed at the notion, questioning, "Are they seriously saying to me, somewhere in the backwoods of some North African country, they actually know what the British Parliament has legislated for? I think not." His comments were aimed at dispelling the myth propagated by the government which suggested the scheme would deter asylum seekers from making perilous journeys to the UK.
The Rwanda plan had initially generated significant controversy for its high costs and ethical implications, with recent estimates placing the expenditure at around £700 million, yet resulting in only four voluntary deportations. With no individuals having been forcibly sent to Rwanda under this scheme, it faced substantial legal challenges and widespread public scrutiny. Upon assuming office, the Labour government scrapped the plan almost immediately, signaling its disapproval of the Conservative's immigration strategy.
Major isn't the only influential figure voicing concerns over the policy. Critics within and outside the Conservative Party have drawn attention to the precarious legal precedent established by the scheme, questioning both the righteousness and effectiveness of such extreme measures. Many see it as emblematic of the party's drift toward right-wing populism, which Major cautioned against, asserting, "We lost five seats to Reform UK and people are jumping up and down, saying we must merge with them. Well, that's going to be fatal."
Notably, the Rwanda issue is heating up again as Conservative leadership contenders like James Cleverly and Robert Jenrick pitch the idea of reintroducing this contentious policy. Cleverly, who served as Home Secretary, has gone so far as to promise to "resurrect" the partnership with Rwanda, reiterably emphasizing its importance as part of the Conservative agenda.
During Major's interview, he rebuffed claims made by party members about the potential benefits of resurrecting the plan, insisting it lacks constitutional basis and would do little to alleviate the challenges posed by illegal immigration. His alternative suggestion urged the party to recalibrate its focus back to the center-right, warning against alienation of traditional conservative voters.
"We have to decide where our natural support really lies," Major said, stressing the need to avoid the trap of pandering to far-right sentiments. He emphasized the belief of many within the party—reflecting on recent electoral losses—that it is time for change within the government's ideological framework.
Interestingly, this criticism occurs amid growing tensions and internal strife within the party as members jockey for positions and affiliations leading up to the leadership election, which is set to conclude on November 2. With multiple candidates vying for votes, Major's remarks could impact their campaigns considerably.
Sir John believes it is integral for the Tories to reconnect with voters who identify as compassionate conservatives, arguing, "We have had such bad defeats, we have got a base upon which we can build, perhaps even potentially effective ways going forward." His assessment suggests optimism for the Conservatives if they make significant adjustments to their approach to issues like immigration.
Looking back, the criticisms surrounding the Rwanda scheme clearly paint it as part of the larger narrative concerning the Conservative Party's immigration policy, which has come under fire not only for its costs but also for its morality and effectiveness. Major’s insights and the potential resurrection of such plans pose myriad questions about the party’s future and its values.
Despite the clamoring for change, the popularity of right-wing populism depicted by figures from the Reform UK party continues to loom large. Major’s opinions serve as both warnings and calls to action for the leadership race, possibly steering future policies toward more traditional conservative values rather than reactive measures driven by public sentiment.
The extensive ramifications of these discussions on immigration policies will continue to play out on the political stage, as the Conservative Party seeks to unify its internal factions and salvage its reputation among the electorate. Whether Major’s strong stance will resonate with the party leadership hopefuls remains to be seen, but it’s clear he hopes to see the party align more closely with the values he once championed.
