Did Chris Philp confuse Rwanda and Congo on Question Time?
See: 'Rwanda and Congo are two distinct nations, right?' - Chris Philp, Member of Parliament.
The policing minister Chris Philp received criticism from opposition parties for seemingly mixing up two African nations during his appearance on BBC Question Time.
During the meeting, a person in the audience who originated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo inquired about the latest legislation created by the government to remove certain asylum seekers and send them back to Rwanda.
A friend later suggested that he was asking a question only to make a point and not expecting an answer.
On Thursday, the Rwanda bill of the government was enacted, which stipulates that if an asylum seeker arrives in the UK "illegally" from a secure country after 1 January 2022, they may be sent on a flight to Rwanda with no return trip.
A person from the audience mentioned that there has been a recent disagreement between Congo and the neighboring country of Rwanda, and there has been a prolonged history of aggression.
He inquired if his relatives, who originated from Goma, a city located on the border of Rwanda and DR Congo, attempted to cross the border, would they be returned to Rwanda, the nation they are believed to be fighting against?
"Are you able to comprehend what I am saying?"
Mr. Philp, who represents Croydon South in parliament, responded with a negative answer. He stated that individuals from Rwanda cannot be expelled to their native country due to an exclusion policy.
When a member of the audience mentioned that their parents were "not from Rwanda", the minister responded by saying "Well, let's be honest, Rwanda and Congo are different countries, aren't they?"
"Is this a foreign country?"
The statement made a quick spur of laughter among certain individuals present in the discussion show's viewership as Wes Streeting, Labour's opposing health secretary, quickly scanned the area with his eyes.
According to Mr. Philp, there's a provision in the law which states that if an individual may experience "significant and permanent damage" by being relocated to a certain place, they will not be forced to go.
The rules and regulations have an inbuilt safety measure.
Stephen Kinnock, who is the shadow immigration minister for the Labour party, has expressed his disbelief that the UK government would send such a large amount of money, £576m, to a country that they couldn't even locate on a map. Sarah Olney, a member of the Liberal Democrats, has also commented on the matter, stating that this action highlights the lack of competence in the current government.
A person who supports Mr. Philp argued that the minister was making a statement meant to showcase his point instead of asking a genuine question when he was attempting to provide clarification on what he had been asked.
You have the opportunity to view the most recent episode of Question Time, which was filmed in Tottenham, in the north side of London, available to watch right here.
