In the ongoing saga of the Conservative Government's Rwanda asylum scheme, the truth is clear: it's destined to fail.
This policy is immoral, unworkable and extortionately expensive for the taxpayer. And it betrays our country’s proud tradition of offering sanctuary to those in need.
When the Conservatives first came up with this scheme, we told them it was wrong and wouldn’t work. It’s unsurprising that three Home Secretaries and millions of taxpayers’ pounds later, the Conservatives still have nothing to show for their failing Rwanda policy.
The fact that this Government is content to squander millions on a totally unworkable white elephant of a policy tells you everything you need to know about their priorities.
It will do nothing to stop dangerous Channel crossings, people trafficking or modern slavery. All Rishi Sunak cares about is acting tough. So much so that he’s content to trample the rule of law and tear up human rights protection.
That’s why this Conservative Government refuses to even consider doing what would actually work to stop the dangerous crossings - tackling the backlog and creating safe and legal routes for refugees.
Liberal Democrats have been clear - we have no faith in this failing scheme. Today, we have passed new policy to keep fighting this policy every step of the way, and to offer a positive alternative that would actually work:
It's time for the Conservative Government to admit defeat on the Rwanda scheme. It's not just failing; it's actively harming individuals and wasting taxpayer money.
Instead, let's focus on what truly works: tackling the backlog, creating safe routes, and upholding our commitment to human rights. As Liberal Democrats, we will continue to fight for a fairer and more compassionate asylum system.
Slavery, in all its forms, is an affront to the fundamental British principle of individual liberty. No human being should ever be enslaved.