This week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a critical juncture in his premiership, with two significant challenges on the horizon.
Firstly, he is set to appear before a COVID-19 inquiry, and secondly, he must secure a crucial parliamentary vote for his controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Sunak, who assumed office just over a year ago, is grappling to maintain his authority, as members of his own Conservative Party from both the left and right wings threaten to oppose his flagship asylum policy.
The first parliamentary vote, scheduled for Tuesday, revolves around legislation designed to override certain human rights laws, paving the way for deportation flights to Rwanda before the upcoming national election.
This proposed law faces opposition from moderate Conservative politicians concerned about potential human rights violations and right-wing lawmakers advocating for more stringent measures.
Both factions are seeking legal counsel before deciding their voting stance.
For Sunak, who is grappling with an ailing UK economy and trailing in opinion polls behind the main opposition party, the Rwanda policy has become emblematic of his government’s challenges, despite consistent legal objections.
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The UK’s Supreme Court recently declared the plan unlawful, citing the risk it posed to genuine refugees and potential breaches of British and international law.
The government has invested approximately £250 million in this scheme in the hope of deterring the influx of migrants, including those from Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq, who arrive on the southern coast of England via small boats from France.
In a move underscoring the uncertainty surrounding potential rebellion within his party, Sunak opted not to make the vote a matter of confidence.
Losing a confidence vote would have led to calls for a general election, a scenario Sunak likely wanted to avoid.
However, his position will be significantly weakened if the legislation fails, with only 29 Conservative MPs needed to defy the government.
Despite questions about potential leadership challenges, senior government minister Michael Gove downplayed the possibility of a snap election. He expressed confidence that the legislation, though tough, is proportionate.
Sunak’s current predicament bears similarities to the crisis that plagued the Conservative Party during Theresa May’s tenure as prime minister while grappling with Brexit implementation from 2016 to 2019.
Once again, a prime minister is facing rebellion from backbench MPs, leadership challenge rumors, concerns about international commitments, and debates over the balance of power between parliament and the judiciary.
While Tuesday’s vote is expected to go in favor of the government, the real showdown is anticipated during the subsequent voting on amendments, likely after Christmas, where rebel MPs may intensify their opposition.
As the stakes rise, the Conservative Party grapples with the consequences of a potential leadership change, recognizing the need for unity in an increasingly turbulent political landscape.
The nation, once known for its political stability, could see its sixth prime minister in just over seven years if Sunak were to be toppled, a situation not witnessed since the 1830s.