CThe controversy surrounding the government’s policy of flying asylum seekers to Rwanda has intensified during the countdown to the first deportation flight. It has been argued that the policy is designed as a ‘wedge’ issue specifically designed to stir up outrage among opponents while bolstering support in the Tory base. But did Boris Johnson and Priti Patel really expect to unite monarchy, celebrity and clergy in an alternative opposition?
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The future king
Given the royals’ “never explain, never complain” policy, we may never know whether the Prince of Wales really called Rwanda’s policy “appalling”. But Clarence House has not disputed the claim that Charles did express his dismay at the government’s “whole deal” in a private conversation.
According to the Times, the future king made the remarks ahead of next week’s meeting of Commonwealth leaders in Kigali, where he will represent his mother. The Times source said she had heard the 73-year-old heir express his opposition to the policy on several occasions, saying he was particularly uncomfortable with it as he feared it would overshadow the summit.
“He said he was beyond disappointed with the policy,” the source said. “He said he found the whole government action appalling. It was clear that he was not impressed with the direction the government was taking.”
A Clarence House spokesman said: “We would not comment on alleged anonymous private conversations with the Prince of Wales except to reiterate that he remains politically neutral. Political matters are decisions for the government.”
The Archbishops
The entire Church of England leadership has condemned plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda as “an immoral policy that shames Britain”. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York and the other bishops who sit as Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords have written a letter to the Times.
The letter said: “Whether the first deportation flight leaves Britain for Rwanda today or not, this policy should put us to shame as a nation.” To treat with compassion, fairness and justice as we have done for centuries.”
The letter, signed by Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell as Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and by the Bishops of London, Durham, Exeter, Birmingham and Manchester, warns that those deported have not had an opportunity to appeal or see family in Britain . No attempt has been made to understand their predicament, she adds.
“They are the vulnerable that the Old Testament calls us to cherish,” it adds, explaining that “evil human trafficking” must be combated by providing safe routes into the UK to “reduce dangerous journeys”. “Deportations and the possible forced return of asylum seekers to their home countries are not the way,” it continues. “This immoral policy puts Britain to shame.”
Rwanda’s policy has also drawn criticism from senior Catholic, Jewish and Muslim leaders.
celebrities
Celebrities including Gary Lineker, Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh, rapper and author Akala and artist Tracey Emin all signed a letter to three airlines known to have previously worked with the Home Office on deportation flights: Titan Airways, Privilege Style and Iberojet.
Other famous names have expressed their disgust on Twitter.
Citizen Khan actor Adil Ray wrote: “Today is a shameful day in ‘great’ British history. We will age as a society with this nasty ugly scar on our nation. There was a time when we tried to encourage migrants to share positive ‘British values’. Today we have decided that their value is to sell them to Africa for cash.”
He added: “In the 1960s, citizens said we were already full. Councils placed ads in Commonwealth countries saying “No More Asians”. Activists stood at airports and insisted they return. Three of those Asians are now in the Cabinet.”
On Monday, TV presenter Sue Perkins tweeted: “Today the government has pushed the most brutal, stupid and damaging responses to problems it created in the first place. That’s where xenophobia and “sovereignty” get you; breaking international law and sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. Shameless the multitude of them.”
Comedian Frankie Boyle wrote: “The Grenfell Anniversary Rwanda Flight says it all about the direction we’ve traveled in the last five years.”