Former Home Secretary Ken Clarke has joined the chorus of criticism against the Government’s proposed Rwanda Bill, labeling it “extremely dangerous” and expressing hope that it will be struck down by the courts if passed by Parliament.
Clarke, a prominent figure in Margaret Thatcher’s government and a respected Conservative elder, voiced his concerns in the House of Lords, where peers have been scrutinizing the Safety of Rwanda Bill. He expressed disbelief at the Government’s attempt to revive the project after it was previously ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.
Addressing fellow peers, Clarke said, “I continue to be completely flabbergasted by the constitutional implications of the government acting in this way.” He emphasized his hope for a legal challenge to enable the Supreme Court to declare the Bill unconstitutional, adding, “But the better step would be for Parliament not to pass the legislation in the first place.”
Clarke’s remarks add to the growing opposition to the Rwanda Bill within the Conservative Party, particularly among figures who served under Margaret Thatcher. Earlier, former Tory chairman Lord Deben criticized the government’s approach, expressing concern about the potential consequences for victims of modern slavery.
Lord Deben emphasized the importance of upholding conservative values and cited the Modern Slavery Act as a significant achievement of past Conservative governments. He urged the current administration to reconsider its stance, highlighting the need to protect vulnerable individuals seeking asylum.
The government’s proposal to override the Supreme Court ruling on Rwanda has also drawn criticism from military figures and human rights advocates. Former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Stirrup, raised concerns about the impact on soldiers who had served alongside British forces and urged policymakers to consider the moral and practical implications of their decisions.
As the debate over the Rwanda Bill continues, opposition voices are growing louder, with calls for greater scrutiny and consideration of the bill’s potential consequences for asylum seekers and those who have served their country.
Watch Ken Clarkes speech to the House of Lords below:
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