Sunak: There’s growing backing across Europe for our Rwanda scheme

RISHI SUNAK, speaking on a trip to Vienna, today claimed growing backing across Europe for his plan to send migrants to Rwanda as a way to end the "vile trade" of people-smuggling.

- Jitendra Joshi

The Prime Minister held talks with Austria's centre-Right chancellor Karl Nehammer, who is pushing for the EU to reshape its approach on migration ahead of elections to the European Parliament next month when parties of the far-Right are expected to pose a serious challenge.

Mr Sunak said he and his Austrian counterpart agreed that "business as usual won't solve this problem", adding: "In our joint statement today we've committed to deepening our co-operation to end this vile trade.

"We have to think creatively," the PM said, citing the Rwanda scheme, which the Government insists will act as a deterrent to migrants crossing the Channel on dangerous inflatable boats, often after paying thousands of euros to gangsters.