The ongoing controversy surrounding Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda immigration scheme dominates the headlines of several newspapers. The Daily Telegraph features an article by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who resigned from his position earlier this week. In the piece, Jenrick argues that with current levels of immigration, it is impossible to integrate migrants into British society and warns that the Conservative party will face the “red-hot fury” of voters if they do not bring down high levels of migration. He also criticizes Sunak’s proposed legislation, stating that it does not go far enough and predicts that it will result in “symbolic half-filled deportation flights” due to legal challenges.
The Guardian reports that the Home Office has been ordered to reveal the full cost of the Rwanda scheme, which is estimated to exceed £400m. The paper notes that the department’s Permanent Secretary, Sir Matthew Rycroft, will face questions from MPs on the public accounts committee on Monday, ahead of Sunak’s attempt to overturn court objections to the scheme in the commons on Tuesday. Meanwhile, The Times cites official government legal advice, which suggests that the chances of flights taking off for Rwanda next year are, at best, 50%. The law, which is being proposed under emergency legislation by Sunak, could face legal challenges and potential blocks from the European Court in Strasbourg, warns the paper.
The i newspaper highlights that “angry” Tory MPs are plotting to derail the Rwanda scheme, with a government source telling the paper that “a gang of 30” backbenchers are preparing to launch a campaign to toughen up the legislation. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports that disruptions in the Panama and Suez canals are leaving Christmas supply chains at risk. Due to a drought in the Panama Canal limiting the number of ships using the waterway and attacks on cargo vessels, the head of an international body representing importers across the UK warns that there are “supplies that just won’t be here in time for Christmas.”
The Daily Mail reports on a “Christmas mail fiasco” caused by Royal Mail workers being told to prioritize premium delivery products ahead of letters and cards. The paper reveals that millions of Christmas cards and letters about cancer appointments are piling up in sorting offices and that depot managers are directing staff to focus on parcels such as Amazon deliveries. Finally, the Daily Star warns of a “Santa shortage” affecting Britain, claiming that the Covid pandemic has led to a 33% drop in the number of professional Santas available to appear at Christmas grottos
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