FORMER UK Prime Minister Sir John Major has strongly criticised the government’s now-scrapped Rwanda asylum plan, labelling it ‘un-Conservative’ and ‘un-British.’ The scheme, aimed at deporting illegal migrants to Rwanda, was halted due to legal challenges and subsequently abandoned by the new Labour government.
In a BBC interview, Major expressed his disapproval, calling the proposal ‘odious’ and arguing it contradicted British values of compassion and fairness. He dismissed claims that it would have acted as a deterrent, stating it was morally wrong regardless of potential outcomes.
The plan, originally intended to address the rising number of Channel crossings, was never implemented, with no migrants sent to Rwanda. Critics, including Major, argued that the policy was impractical and insensitive, casting doubts on its effectiveness.
While supporters of the scheme believed it would deter dangerous crossings, Major insisted that it was neither ethical nor practical. He further criticised the logic that people in North Africa would be deterred by British legislation, pointing out the disconnect between policy and reality. Major’s comments highlight ongoing debates about the UK’s approach to immigration and the moral implications of such policies.
This criticism is part of broader opposition to the plan, which faced multiple legal challenges and failed to take effect. The scrapping of the scheme has prompted discussion about the future of UK immigration policy, with calls for more humane and effective solutions to the issue of illegal immigration.
