Today’s news summary – Paper Talk: PM preparing to ‘swerve’ Euro rules on Rwanda
Several of Wednesday’s front pages speculate on how far the government will go in the new legislation aimed at sending migrants to Rwanda.
Rwanda treaty signed
The Daily Telegraph says Rishi Sunak could see up to 10 ministers quit if he adopts a hardline approach of circumventing the European Convention on Human Rights. The paper says Robert Jenrick has been pushing for the toughest version, which would include removing the right of judicial review and allowing ministers to ignore the Human Rights Act and the European Convention regarding asylum.
The Sun says the PM is preparing to swerve the ‘Euro rules.’ The Daily Mail says Sunak will reject the most hardline approach.
The Times on the other hand says the PM has chosen the middle way – he will not opt out of the European Convention but will dis-apply sections of the Human Rights Act to prevent legal challenges at British courts stopping deportation flights. The PM has told ministers there must be no perception that Britain is breaching its obligations under the European Convention, because of comparisons with Russia and Belarus.
The Daily Express calls the plans “bold” but says the “scandal of small boat crossings” must not be sabotaged or more lives will be lost. The paper blames left-wing MPs and lawyers, who they say, connive to wreck the scheme.
The Guardian leads on a warning from the UN emergency relief coordinator, Martin Griffiths, that Israel’s campaign in southern Gaza has created “apocalyptic” conditions – ending meaningful humanitarian operations. He tells the paper that the military’s operation in the south is similar to what had happened in the north of the Strip.
He adds the US efforts to persuade the Israelis to do more to protect civilians have failed.
Electric cars tariff
The Financial Times and The Times report that the UK and EU electric car manufacturers facing a 10% tariff from the first of January have won a three-year reprieve.
The European Commission is set to support a delay of the tax on electric vehicles produced outside of Europe. According to the Financial Times, the Commission had insisted on the initial schedule but now is supporting the delay due to fears that EU-manufactured cars in the UK would primarily favour Chinese manufacturers.
Royals unite
Several papers feature images of the King, Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales at Buckingham Palace for more than 500 members of the Diplomatic Corps. The papers say they have put on a united front in the face of accusations of racism. “One four all. All four one” is the Sun’s headline.
