RISHI Sunak today warns Britain’s security would be at “risk” if the Rwanda plan is scrapped – as he prepares to jet to Vienna for talks on a crackdown on illegal immigration.
The PM will meet with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer early this week to press for tougher action to protect Europe’s borders from the migration crisis.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Cameron is flying into Albania to announce a new crackdown on organised criminal gangs behind people smuggling rings.
Downing Street source said: “The PM said where the UK leads on tackling illegal migration, others would follow.
“Sure enough we now have 19 countries from Czech Republic to Italy to Denmark, as well as top EU parties like the European People’s Party, saying they recognise a safe third country deterrent is the only way to break the model of the smuggling gangs and stop the boats.
“Labour’s position is to undermine national security.
“By saying they would scrap the Rwanda scheme even when it’s working – just as all our neighbours do the opposite – and declaring a migrant amnesty, they would lead us to become the soft-touch illegal migration capital of the world.”
Tory and Labour differences over how to crack down on illegal immigration is becoming a stark dividing line in the general election battle.
The PM’s trip comes as a growing number of countries worldwide declare they want to launch their own Rwanda-style schemes.
Donald Trump reportedly wants a migrant deportation programme if he is elected US President later this year.
And the EU is facing a growing rebellion from member states demanding the ability to set up their own deportation schemes.
The Czech and Italian PMs are leading 19 EU countries calling for rules to change to let them ‘offshore’ migrants.
The new government in the Netherlands – led by Geert Wilders – said it would “opt out” of Brussels’ rules that compels members to house asylum seekers.
During his trip, Lord Cameron will hold high level talks with the Albanian President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
He will announce a new programme to tackle corruption and organised crime in Albania.
A Labour spokeswoman said: “The Tories have utterly lost control of our borders. Labour’s new Border Security Command will work with international agencies and use tough new counter-terror powers to smash the criminal smuggling gangs undermining Britain’s national security.”