WARRINGTON South Conservative MP Andy Carter shares his views in this week’s column.

The Rwanda plan has dominated headlines for much of the last two years, ever since the Government first signed our partnership with Rwanda back in April 2022 which would see those who enter the UK illegally sent abroad for processing, asylum and resettlement.

In those two years, we have seen many attempts to block the plan in Parliament and in the courts, although those trying to stop the plan moving forward have given no viable alternatives. On Monday we crossed a major hurdle when the Safety of Rwanda Bill completed its final passage through Parliament before becoming law.

For those keeping up to date with the news, you may have seen the term ‘ping-pong’ come up repeatedly. So called because it refers to the scenario where a Bill is repeatedly sent back and forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords when agreement cannot be reached on the its provisions. Ping-pong didn’t last too long and the Lords finally gave in to the supremacy of the elected Commons just before midnight on Monday evening.

I have been clear that I support the Rwanda plan, because the simple truth is that until we have a proper deterrent in place the boats will keep landing on our shores, we will continue to see deaths in the Channel because of the dangers of small boat crossings and taxpayer money will continue going towards funding accommodation for illegal migrants, as it is the case with hotels in Warrington.

And while Britain will always play our part to help genuine asylum seekers, we cannot pretend that people who have already travelled across Europe to reach the UK are fleeing war and conflict if they refuse to settle in prior safe countries like Italy or France.

Labour claims that this plan is unworkable: there is however evidence to the contrary, with countries like Australia demonstrating huge success in bringing down small boat crossings with their own similar schemes for offshore processing facilities for illegal migrants. Now Labour tells us that the plan has failed – last time I checked you actually have to put a scheme in place before you judge its success.

When numbers of Albanian migrants started soaring in 2022 and into 2023, we remedied the problem by negotiating a new deal with Albania which has seen around 90% reduction in illegal arrivals from that country. And for those who say that Rwanda is not a safe country, why then do they currently host more than 135,000 people seeking safe refuge, and have a track record of protecting and supporting these people to thrive in Rwanda. 

Even though the legislation has passed its remaining stage in Parliament, we still have to deal with the people smuggling gangs in Europe who prey on the vulnerable. Co-operation with France and other EU countries remains important.

Planes are ready, the Home Office will be moving forward in the coming weeks and flights will take off shortly. Labour have repeatedly stated that they would scrap the Rwanda Plan even if it reduces the number of small boat crossings as intended, but they also have no concrete alternative.

The contrast between Labour and the Conservatives could not be clearer – we actually have a plan. It’s the same story at all levels, whether nationally or locally, Labour haven’t set out any policies on which you can judge them, they’re simply saying our plans won’t work and that’s not enough of a basis to be a Government in waiting. Remember that when you go to vote on May 2nd.