Today’s news summary – Paper Talk: Rishi fighting for survival ahead of potential Tory rebellion
Many of Monday’s papers say Rishi Sunak’s leadership may come under threat if Tory rebels vote against his Rwanda legislation.
Rishi fighting for survival
Rishi Sunak is entering a pivotal week in his premiership, facing challenges from factions within the Conservative party and a demanding appearance before the Covid inquiry, as reported by The Guardian. The Daily Telegraph notes that MPs on the right are pushing for amendments to the Rwanda bill, seeking stricter measures such as a block on interventions by judges in Strasbourg and additional restrictions on migrants’ rights to appeal. Failure to address these concerns may lead to a potential revolt in the Commons, putting Sunak’s flagship bill at risk. The Metro captures the tension with its headline, “Rishi on the rack.”
Conservative party chairman Richard Holden, writing in the Express, argues that the legislation aligns Sunak with the interests of the British people. The Times reveals a leaked Home Office memo, predicting a high failure rate for legal cases by migrants attempting to block deportation to Rwanda. The leaked details, part of a whipping operation ahead of Tuesday’s vote, indicate that 99.5% of such cases are expected to be unsuccessful, resulting in swift deportations after a brief stay in the UK.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror highlights comments from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who asserts that the Tories’ ability to govern has collapsed.
The Daily Mail reports on Gary Lineker’s involvement in an open letter opposing the government’s Rwanda policy, raising concerns about the presenter’s “highly political tone” challenging BBC guidelines for flagship presenters.
Covid inquiry
Allies of Rishi Sunak caution that the Covid inquiry may have predetermined the harm caused by his Eat Out To Help Out scheme, according to the Daily Telegraph. A Treasury insider defends the scheme, citing the dire state of the hospitality industry in the summer of 2020 and emphasising the challenges of hindsight.
The Financial Times features a survey indicating that nearly half of American voters believe the US is overspending on aid to Ukraine, with opposition particularly strong among Republicans.
Finally, the Sun reports that Nigel Farage is poised for a political comeback after gaining public support on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, finishing third. Sources suggest that Farage’s appeal may pave the way for his return to the political arena early next year.