‘Everyone within the cabinet’ was aware that the Rwanda deportation legislation would be ineffective, asserted Conservative leadership aspirant Robert Jenrick.
In an interview with the Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge, the ex-Home Office minister suggested that all top government officials from the previous administration recognized that the proposal to transfer asylum seekers to Kigali was doomed to fail.
Mr. Jenrick resigned from Rishi Sunak’s administration at the close of 2023, expressing his belief that the strategy was insufficiently robust.
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While discussing his departure with Sky News, Mr. Jenrick elaborated on his reasons: “I faced a decision at that moment: to advance a bill in parliament that I knew lacked efficacy, and which, frankly, everyone in the cabinet acknowledged was impractical; or to exit the government and advocate my position in parliament, where I could be honest with myself and the public.”
When asked to affirm whether he believed all members of the cabinet — which encompasses the prime minister, home secretary, and all leading ministers — viewed the Rwanda Bill as unfeasible, he responded: “I believe everyone tied to that decision was fully aware that the policy was unlikely to succeed, yet they chose to ignore this reality.”
“I was unwilling to be a minister under such conditions.”
Mr. Jenrick refrained from naming specific individuals in the cabinet who, besides him, doubted the feasibility of the initiatives.
He has expressed his desire for a legally mandated cap on immigration, alongside plans to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.
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Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick
Mickey Mouse mural
Sophy Ridge also inquired about one of the most divisive incidents during his tenure in the Home Office — his decision to have a mural of Mickey Mouse painted over at a reception center for young asylum seekers erased.
Throughout the leadership campaign, he has indicated he would not repeat that action — however, he has yet to offer an apology.
“I would never intend to do anything other than show compassion towards children,” he stated.
“During my term as minister in charge of immigration, I made considerable efforts to ensure that we were adequately caring for unaccompanied minors.”
“Upon taking office, we were accommodating them in basic hotels in coastal areas. We closed these down and transitioned those young individuals into foster care and more suitable living conditions.”
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Mr. Jenrick expressed his concerns regarding “a significant number of adults” infiltrating the UK while posing as minors — “placing genuine children” in “actual peril”.
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Another subject addressed in the interview was whether Mr. Jenrick would appoint fellow MPs, who aspired to the leadership, to roles in his shadow cabinet if he emerges victorious.
“I aim to have the finest talents on the field,” Mr. Jenrick remarked.
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He added that Kemi Badenoch, the runner-up, “deserves a prominent role where she can significantly contribute to rejuvenating the Conservative Party.”
Additionally, James Cleverly, who placed third, would be welcome to act as Mr. Jenrick’s deputy if he chooses, considering he’s “a unifying figure”.
