Financial Times – Sunak makes faltering election start after Rwanda and smoking setbacks

Sunak makes faltering election start after Rwanda and smoking setbacks

The prime minister cannot introduce signature policies on asylum and smoking before July 4

Summary

Rishi Sunak encountered several challenges on the first full day of the general election campaign. He had to acknowledge that he could not implement key policies on asylum and smoking before the July 4 polling day.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister conceded that deportations of asylum seekers to Rwanda, a policy proposed by the Tories over two years ago, would only happen if he wins the election. Sunak emphasised, “The election is about the future. If I’m elected, I’m going to get those flights off.” When asked by the BBC if these flights would commence post-election, Sunak confirmed, “Yes.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to halt Sunak’s Rwanda plan, suggesting that no asylum seekers might ever be deported under this scheme. The UK has already paid Rwanda £220 million for the initiative.

Labour suspects Sunak might attempt a surprise move by authorizing a flight to Rwanda shortly before polling day.

Additionally, Sunak’s decision to call a snap election means that legislation to phase out smoking is unlikely to be passed before Parliament is suspended on Friday.

Elsewhere, the US plans to sue Live Nation makes the front page. The paper says the move will break up Ticketmasters ‘chokehold’ on the entertainment industry. 

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