Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg calls for immediate action

The UK government is facing criticism for its delayed response in handling the Rwanda deportation policy. Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has urged the government to take swift action before the upcoming election. Amendments to the Borders bill were proposed earlier this year, which would have prevented the Supreme Court from blocking the Rwanda scheme.

The power of Parliament vs the Courts

Rees-Mogg highlights that the highest form of law in the UK is that passed by Parliament, which cannot be overridden by the courts. However, the government did not make the necessary amendments, opting to take the risk of winning in court instead. The reasons for this decision remain unclear, with speculations ranging from hubris to a desire to please the international elite.

A race against time

The lack of foresight from the government has put them in a time crunch. Rees-Mogg questions why emergency legislation has not been introduced promptly and why a new bill was not presented to Parliament on Thursday. With limited time to use the Parliament Act, it is uncertain how the government plans to navigate the House of Lords. The urgency to resolve this issue is heightened by Rishi Sunak's dependence on his majority in the upcoming election.

Call for emergency legislation

Rees-Mogg emphasizes the need for immediate introduction of emergency legislation that grants explicit authority for deportations to Rwanda. This legislation should also address any other laws that may hinder the process, including the Human Rights Act. However, there is a possibility that the legislation may face obstacles in the Lords or the courts, ultimately becoming a central issue in the election campaign.

Broader migration concerns

While the Rwanda deportation policy is in the spotlight, Rees-Mogg points out that legal migration remains a larger issue with significant societal and economic effects. He suggests that reducing legal migration, which is approximately 15 times higher than small boat arrivals, can be achieved without the need for parliamentary or legal complications.