Civil servants wanting to obstruct government policy and prevent illegal immigrants being sent back to Rwanda should consider their position within the organisation, an MP has warned.
Shipley MP Sir Philip Davies said it was not for a group of civil servants to oppose the policy but implement the laws as set by the government of the day.
Speaking in Prime Minister’s Questions he said: “Is the Prime Minister as appalled as I am about reports that militant civil servant trade union political activists seeking to find ways not to implement the Rwanda deportations. Does he agree with me if they are not prepared to implement the will of the government and an Act of Parliament that was passed by both Houses of Parliament, they should conclude that being in the civil service is not for them.”
Civil servants are bound by impartiality and are expected to work and serve whichever political party is in power. Last week it was reported that the civil service union had launched an unprecedented legal challenge against government plans to detain asylum seekers and fly them to Rwanda.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he remained committed to delivering on the policy and nothing would stand in his way.
The PM said: “My expectation is that civil servants will continue to be committed to supporting our priorities of stopping the boats and deliver in accordance with the Civil Service Code. He will know we made some specific changes to ensure compliance with that code as we push through with our plans.
“I agree with him we are the only party with a plan to stop the boats and we will face down all the obstacles in our way to deliver on this crucial priority for the British people and whoever stands in our way, whether it is the Labour Party or others we will deliver for this country on this vital issue.”
Sir Philip said he had been contacted by constituents wanting answers following the announcement by the civil service union.