- PM Sunak apologizes at COVID inquiry, defending the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme.
- Labour faces backlash over delayed military spending plans amid US pressure.
- Divided Tories gear up for crucial vote on controversial Rwanda migration bill.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s testimony at the UK’s COVID inquiry was marked by his apology to those who lost loved ones during the pandemic.
Labour leader Keir Starmer is facing internal criticism for proposing to delay increasing military spending until after 2030. Labour MPs warn that not meeting the 2.5% of GDP target for defence spending could jeopardize the UK’s relationship with the US.
Rwanda Migration Bill Stirs Tensions Within the Conservative Party
The upcoming vote on the government’s Rwanda migration bill has sparked significant divisions within the Conservative Party. While the One Nation Conservatives are set to support the bill, moderates are concerned about potential legal challenges and the UK’s international obligations. Damian Green, chair of the One Nation group, has emphasized the need for a balanced approach that upholds the rule of law.
The European Research Group (ERG) of Conservative MPs has expressed its dissatisfaction with the bill, calling it “partial and incomplete.” The ERG believes that the government’s proposal does not sufficiently address the root causes of illegal migration and should be reconsidered. Their call for the bill to be pulled highlights the ongoing divisions within the party.
The New Conservatives, representing the right wing of the party, argue that the bill needs significant revisions to be effective. They are pushing for a stronger, more comprehensive solution to the migration issue, one that could involve deeper reforms to the asylum process and immigration laws. This faction’s opposition suggests they view the current bill as a temporary measure.
Despite these divisions, Tom Pursglove, the minister for legal migration, confirmed the government’s intention to press ahead with the bill. He stated that there were no plans to withdraw or delay the proposal, even in the face of internal Conservative resistance, underscoring the government’s commitment to its controversial immigration policies.
The UK’s political landscape is in flux as party factions debate key issues, from migration to military spending. Sunak and Starmer face mounting pressure to navigate these challenges effectively.
“The simple reality is to build strong alliances, we must maintain and build our autonomy.” — Luke Carden, Labour MP, commenting on the need for increased defence spending.
