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.
The latest business news
-
International Airlines Group (IAG) faces potential shareholder revolt over a proposed £2.7m one-off share award for CEO Luis Gallego at its annual meeting on 18 June.
-
As Europe rolls into June with sunshine and a festival spirit, this week brings a rich mix of cultural sparkle, artistic flair, and sharp business thinking. Whether you’re jetting off, logging in, or just indulging in a bit of Euro-envy, here’s a whistle-stop tour of what’s lighting up the continent right now.
-
The FT leads with the news the US investor has backed out of rescuing Thames Water over fears of political meddling.
-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil a £15.6bn transport investment package aimed at boosting infrastructure across the North, Midlands and West Country. The cash will fund tram, train and bus improvements, including major projects in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and the West Midlands.
-
The London business newspaper CITY AM reports economists are warning the PM’s defence spending boost will come at a heavy price – and asks who’s going to pay.
-
Elon Musk is to launch $300 million share offer in bid to refocus on business after a wild time in US politics – that hit the billionaire’s pocket hard.