UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's flagship policy to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is facing further turbulence, with airlines refusing to fly the controversial flights and the estimated costs rising. This latest setback adds to a growing list of obstacles threatening to derail the plan entirely. 

The Pecking Order

Commercial airlines are wary of their reputation. The majority have declined to sign contracts for the Rwanda deportation flights. This leaves the government scrambling for alternatives. The most promising ones are the Ministry of Defense and even the Royal Air Force (RAF) as carriers for these controversial flights. 

However, defense officials seem just as reluctant, citing security concerns and potential disruption at their airbases. Meanwhile, commercial airports will not handle flights due to the risk of protests. One government official said, "We have robust plans in place to fly people to Rwanda, including established commercial relationships."

The designated airport, Boscombe Down, an RAF Base and military aircraft testing site, requires a costly upgrade of up to £20 million in security to withstand anticipated protests. This adds to the already hefty price tag of the program, raising questions about its financial viability. 

The Policy On Principles

The policy has been plagued by legal challenges from the outset. Last month, the Supreme Court deemed Rwanda unsafe for asylum seekers, forcing the government to rush emergency legislation through Parliament. Despite overcoming this hurdle, the program remains mired in controversy and practical difficulties.

Human rights groups and legal experts continue to denounce the policy as inhumane and a violation of international law. Public opinion is also divided, with concerns about the ethical implications and effectiveness of the scheme. Adding to Sunak's woes, Tory critics believe the legislation doesn't go far enough and are threatening to rebel against the policy. This internal dissent further destabilizes the government's already shaky position.

What or Who are the "Tory Critics/Rebels"

"Tory rebels/critics" refers to Conservative Party Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK who publicly disagree with or vote against the government's position on certain issues. Identifying specific rebels can be tricky, as it depends on the exact issue in question and the nuances of their stance. 

More recently, Tory rebels have emerged over issues such as Rishi Sunak's Rwanda deportation plan and cost-of-living measures. It's important to note that the specific composition of these groups can change over time, and not all Conservative MPs who rebel on a particular issue will necessarily identify with a specific label.

The Summary

The fate of the Rwanda deportation plan will be determined by the government's ability to overcome logistical and legal hurdles and its willingness to address the ethical and philosophical concerns it raises. This saga is far from over, and its outcome will have far-reaching implications for the UK's domestic and international standing.

As airlines refuse to participate and costs spiral, the question hangs heavy: Can the UK's Rwanda deportation plan take off at all?