SIR Jacob Rees-Mogg has claimed that the government’s proposed changes to asylum rules will not be supported by Labour MPs.
Speaking on GB News, he said: “The Home Secretary has come out fighting on illegal migration, promising to change the criteria for the European Convention on Human Rights on refugees. The changes would curb asylum appeals, tighten rules on family life claims, and require a reassessment every two years.
“The Home Office’s duty to provide asylum support would become discretionary.
“This is a remarkably radical announcement from this Labour government on the issue of asylum. However, the primary problem is her own back benchers. A rebellion is already brewing amongst Labour MPs: 18 have immediately expressed hostility towards the proposals
“The MP for Folkestone, Folkestone, of all places, Tony Vaughan, a King’s Counsel, learned in the law who represents one of the areas most affected by illegal crossings, doesn’t care for his constituents.
“He criticised the government, saying ‘the rhetoric around these reforms encourages the same culture of divisiveness that sees racism and abuse growing in our communities.’ Only a lawyer.
“The reality is Labour MPs will not agree to it. They will oppose, rebel, delay and amend until the proposals are watered down beyond recognition.
“The Prime Minister is facing allegations of infighting and leadership challenges, further weakening his authority over his MPs, and it has to be said, kiboshing Mahmood’s own leadership ambitions.
“If the government was serious about this plan succeeding, it would have to win votes from the Conservatives. And interestingly, earlier this evening, the leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch, responded to the Home Secretary’s announcement, saying that although the plan doesn’t go far enough, it’s a start.
“She says it’s impossible within the ECHR, and I rather agree with her, but her words hinted that the Tories would back the plan with the right strategy.
“But it does need to go further. The proposals would only affect new claimants, not only those already here. Channel crossings are at an all-time high. If an illegal migrant is willing to make the dangerous journey, this will not act as a deterrent.
“The plan is being compared to the Rwanda scheme, but if Labour had not abandoned the Rwanda scheme, it would by now have worked, and this will not. Well, it won’t get through in the first place.
“Labour is not serious about solving the migration problem, and this will be made evident when this proposal fails.”