Tories call passing Rwanda Bill a “landmark moment”.
Yes
A “landmark moment” of constitutional thuggery.
A “landmark moment” of govt extremism, financial idiocy and vicious inhumanity.
A “landmark moment” of international irresponsibility and national disgrace.
Shame on them all.

To be clear: this was not a question about domestic politics - it was about our long-term defence commitment.

If, as polls suggest, the Tories lose next election then all their future plans go with them.

Anybody who cares about our security will want to know what comes next

German police have charged someone with “using anti-constitutional and terrorist symbols” for posting “From RISA (chicken shop) to the Spree (river), Palestine will be free” on Instagram

I've been revisiting the Lords debates over the Rwanda Bill, looking particular at former Law Lords. Here's a contribution from Lord Hoffmann on the legislative declaration of 'safe country' status.

seeing lots of ‘devastated rwanda plan passed’ tweets + think it’s really important we’re accurate.

rwanda plan already passed. what went through yday was legislation which allows the govt to ignore human rights + courts bc they’re inconvenient which is somehow more terrifying

In 1776, a Tory government introduced prison hulks and started deporting people to Tasmania. In 2023, a Tory government is introducing prison hulks and deporting people to Rwanda. Centuries of British progress.

The Conservatives - comprehensively mediocre people rejoicing in performative cruelty. What a brand.

This should be a career defining moment. Any politicians than debase themselves enough to support this batshit should be finished when this government is finished. There’s no excuse.

The very same politicians who publicly and privately described the Rwanda scheme as unworkable, immoral and 'batshit' are now telling the country we have to support it at all costs
bylinetimes.com/2024/04/23/ris…

If Britain can pass a law that makes Rwanda 'a safe country', why not a law declaring our rivers officially sewage free and our children regularly fed?

The five people who died in the Channel this morning knew that there was a very real risk of death when they set sail in a small boat. At least, the adults did. Death was, to use a word in the news a lot this morning, a 'deterrent'. It didn't work.

I'm away so can't write at length, but the Rwanda Bill is a shameful piece of legislation: both for what it does & for how it does it.

Instructing the courts that falsehoods are truths is not what healthy democracies do - & misunderstands the history of parliamentary sovereignty

The big winner tonight is President Kagame of Rwanda - who can expect the next £50 million in the morning.

Gov’t dementia adviser resigns over DWP pursuing carers that ***it overpaid***. “We have made absolutely no progress at all on social care. We really did not support carers during the pandemic. But this latest thing is beyond the pale for me really.” ~AA

theguardian.com/society/2024/a…

Why does anyone care about Rishi Sunak’s long-term spending announcements? The guy has a maximum six months left in office and will say anything to cope. I have more credibility and respect for a five-year-old who tells me they’re flying to the moon

Every single one of the remaining departments would have to be cut by as much as Osborne-era austerity again to make the numbers work.

Justice, Home, Local Government, Housing, Transport.

Never has a government gone into an election with such an implausible fiscal plan.

If a Rwanda flight does take off…

Your bills will still be as expensive

Your wait for a GP/hospital bed will still be as long

Your court date will still be as delayed

Your taxes will still be as high

…but we will all be more more morally & financially bankrupt as a nation

Just off for a hearing in a rape case. Allegation reported in 2021, trial not before 2025, if we’re all lucky.

No podium speeches from the Prime Minister about this. No promises to magic up more judges, courts or lawyers.

Just silence, and the threat of further cuts to come.

A sad day for Britain. Passing laws that assert lies the government wish to be true is not something healthy political systems do.

My thoughts are with all those now at risk of deportation to an unsafe country.