Tory Rwanda rebels warn Sunak cut to asylum backlog not enough

I NEWS

Conservative immigration hardliners will continue to push Rishi Sunak to cut illegal immigration despite the Government reducing the asylum backlog.

The Prime Minister claimed he had succeeded in eliminating the backlog of decisions that he inherited when he took office – although several thousand asylum seekers who were in the UK by then are still waiting for a final verdict.

Tory MPs have praised the Home Office’s success in cutting down the size of the overall backlog, which is around 30 per cent lower than its peak.

But they are set to demand a continued crackdown on illegal migration, arguing that it is putting strain on public services even if fewer asylum seekers are waiting for decision on their application.

A rebel source said: “Ultimately even if you clear the backlog the cost to the taxpayer will remain. If you grant someone asylum they may leave accommodation provided for by central government but they head straight to their local authority for social housing.”

The controversial Safety of Rwanda Bill, which prompted a significant revolt from Conservative MPs when it was voted on by the Commons last month, is expected to return to Parliament within weeks.

Rebel MPs will seek to amend the legislation to make it tougher after arguing that it does not do enough to ensure that migrants who reach the UK in small boats can be deported to Rwanda without the courts intervening.

But it remains unclear whether they will be able to muster a majority for their preferred measures, with centrist Tories threatening to vote down the bill if it breaks international human rights laws…