Yesterday in a select committee hearing, Rishi Sunak, denied claims that the government has promised to start flights carrying asylum seekers to Rwanda by the summer.
Giving evidence to the Commons liaison committee, yesterday when asked about reports about this supposed pledge.
He replied: “No one has promised flights by the summer … what we have said is we will start flights as soon as we can after legal proceedings have completed.”
Military
It comes as today Robert Jenrick confirms military sites being used to house asylum seekers, including in Sunak’s constituency.
Jenrick says he is today announcing the first tranche of alternatives to hotel accommodation. He said: “The government will use military sites being disposed of in Essex and Lincolnshire and a separate site in East Sussex. These sites will be converted into housing to provide an alternative to hotels for those who cannot return home.
“The government is committed to providing an alternative to hotel accommodation for those who cannot return home. We are today announcing the first tranche of sites that will be used to accommodate those in need of alternative accommodation. These include former military sites in Essex and Lincolnshire, and a separate site in East Sussex. We will be working with local authorities to provide a secure and comfortable environment for those residing at these sites. We are also working with local charities and organisations to ensure those staying at these sites are provided with the necessary support and resources.
“These will be scaled up over the coming months and will collectively provide accommodation to several thousand asylum seekers through repurposed barrack blocks and portacabins.”
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, said this statement was “an admission of failure”
Alison Thewliss, the SNP’s home affairs spokesperson, said the government seemed to be bringing back internment camps, which was “despicable”. She asked about the Bloomberg report saying using boats would cost even more than using hotels
Video
Peter Stefanovic has slammed the government’s plans and used Sunak’s recent committee hearing to back up his argument.
He shared the video and wrote: “Human rights are universal – it’s not up to this Government to pick and choose who does and doesn’t deserve them.”
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