'STOP PLAYING GAMES OVER BOATS CRISIS'

Rishi Sunak's defiant challenge to Labour

- David Williamson, Jonathan Walker

RISHI SUNAK last night told Labour to stop "playing games" and back his Rwanda scheme if they are serious about ending the small boats crisis.

In a direct challenge to Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister said Labour must "for once stop acting in their shortterm interests" and put the country first.

Opposing the scheme, which will be put to the vote on Tuesday, would prove they were "not fit to govern".

Mr Sunak declared: "If Labour votes against this plan it is clear they are not serious about stopping the boats and keeping people out of the clutches of people smugglers."

The PM is facing a crucial moment of his premiership, with threats to his flagship Rwanda scheme coming not just from the Opposition but from rebels in his own party. The fact he is openly challenging Sir Keir to back the Government in the “national interest” shows how much Tuesday’s vote is on a knife edge.

His stark words came as new migration minister Tom Pursglove said the Rwanda battle was a “defining moment” in the fight against illegal migration and warned: “The time for talking is over”.

MPs will vote on emergency legislation to make sure illegal migrants are sent to Rwanda for processing. Mr Sunak said: “This week, Labour needs for once to rise above political games. They need for once to stop acting in their short-term interests. 

“They need to act in the national interest. The Conservatives are on the public’s side – and we will push on with our plan to stop the boats.”

In a personal message to Sunday Express readers, Mr Pursglove said the Government is determined to “tackle this problem once and for all”.