If the government succeeds with its Rwanda bill, it will be a tragedy for our nation

Tragically, it seems the government might succeed in getting its disgraceful Rwanda bill through parliament. There might follow a decrease in the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats. But however small the decrease, the Tories would undoubtedly claim it as a triumph.

It seems at least as likely that hopeful migrants would have been put off by hearing about the appalling living conditions they’d have to endure when they arrived.

Susan Alexander

South Gloucestershire

After 14 years of relentless persecution of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees by successive Tory governments via their “hostile environment” policy, British politics has arrived at a point where there are senior Tory MPs – Robert Jenrick, Lee Anderson, Jane Stevenson and Brendan Clarke-Smith among them – who think a camp in Rwanda for asylum seekers isn’t repressive enough.

Sasha Simic

London

In Adam Forrest’s recent report, he quotes Michael Gove as saying, “The concerns that Lee [Anderson] has about the bill are the concerns that the country has about migration more broadly.”

In my view, the whole of the government is out of touch with the electorate on many of their objectives. The nation is sick and tired of this faffing around with the “problem” of asylum seekers. It has taken years for the government to get itself into the current mess. On the way it has only exacerbated the problems of migration and not stopped the unnecessary deaths in the Channel.

It has wasted millions paying for Rwanda to accommodate refugees and on legal fees to defend its indefensible position on legislation. This of course was one of Rishi Sunak’s five key objectives which he selected without confirmation from the electorate.

It is arrogant for the government to assume that they understand our needs or have the will of the people behind them to simply send refugees to Rwanda without thoroughly examining their request for entry. Sunak and his ministers ought to be more sympathetic to the already-traumatised people running from terror in their own country.

Nothing this government has achieved, if anything, stands up to current inspection and they will be ridiculed by future generations affected by this failed legacy.

Keith Poole

Basingstoke

The rebellion by so many of Sunak’s MPs against the Rwanda bill shows the Tories have become the party of both government and opposition.

In one way that’s reassuring. It shows that they are practising for what will become of them after the general election!

Roger Hinds

Surrey

Isn’t it amazing that, after 14 years of obfuscation and delay, the Tory government suddenly springs into action in defence of those wronged by the Post Office only a few days after an ITV programme on the subject?

Perhaps this is the way forward: commission a television series in order to get faster justice. Grenfell Tower victims and many other unfortunate groups who are increasingly frustrated with waiting for this government to stop kicking cans down the road may suddenly see some action. TV companies take note.

Alistair Wood

Shropshire