Awkward moment Rishi Sunak and Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte cannot get into 10 Downing Street
- Rishi Sunak and Dutch PM Mark Rutte met at No10 to discuss immigration
- But they were left waiting after they could not get through the front door
This is the awkward moment that Rishi Sunak and outgoing Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte found themselves unable to get into 10 Downing Street this evening.
Mr Sunak welcomed Mr Rutte to No10 this evening to discuss policies including illegal immigration, a No10 spokesperson said.
Mr Rutte, the Netherland’s longest-serving PM, announced his resignation in July after his four-party coalition government reached an irreconcilable gulf over how to tackle immigration.
He is currently serving as caretaker until a new PM can be chosen following Geert Wilders’ anti-Muslim, anti-immigration and anti-EU Party for Freedom (PVV) won the most seats in last month’s general election.
This is the awkward moment that Rishi Sunak and outgoing Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte found themselves unable to get into 10 Downing Street this evening
After a pause of a little over ten seconds, in which the door is not opened, Mr Sunak then looks around the front door and appears confused
The pair were briefly left stranded in the cold outside No10 this evening
It is an issue plaguing both national leaders, with Mr Sunak currently facing a revolt over the Rwanda plan and the issue in the Netherlands causing Mr Rutte’s ultimate downfall.
READ MORE: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte resigns after 13 years in power as his coalition government collapses over internal row about migration policy
Video from this evening shows Mr Rutte walking up to the PM who is standing outside the front door of 10 Downing Street, laden with a festive wreath.
The pair shake hands and pose for the cameras.
Mr Sunak then turns round to try and get through the front door as he continues to chat to the Dutch premier.
After a pause of a little over ten seconds, in which the door is not opened, Mr Sunak then looks around the front door and appears confused.
Mr Rutte also appears to try to figure out what is going on.
But then the door is opened from the inside, and the two national leaders enter the heart of the British Government.
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands gives the press a wave as steps through the threshold.
Given the wet and cold weather, the two probably were not thrilled to have to wait outside longer than they needed to.
For security reasons, the front door to No10 can only be opened from the inside and it does not have a keyhole on the outside.
Therefore security personnel are stationed behind the front door 24 hours a day to ensure people cannot enter without proper authorisation.
Mr Sunak welcomed Mr Rutte to No10 this evening to discuss policies surrounding illegal immigration
The PM and Mr Rutte appeared a bit confused after the door to No10 did not open for around 10 seconds
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte aves as he follows Rishi Sunak into 10 Downing Street this evening
A No10 spokesperson said: ‘This evening the Prime Minister welcomed Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, to Downing Street.
‘The leaders discussed a range of geopolitical issues, including the situation in the Middle East. They expressed regret at the breakdown of the pause in fighting to release hostages and agreed that it was vital that more aid was able to get into Gaza, including by exploring new routes. They also agreed on the critical importance of preventing regional escalation and a unified effort to prevent attempts to threaten maritime security.
‘The Prime Minister reflected on his recent conversations with President Zelenskyy and reiterated that support for our Ukrainian allies must remain steadfast throughout the winter and beyond. The leaders remarked on their similar outlook on the situation and welcomed continued close cooperation in supporting the defence of Ukraine.
‘The leaders agreed on the vital importance of tackling the scourge of illegal migration. The Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Rutte on the recent steps the UK has taken on this, including our Rwanda policy and Illegal Migration Act. They agreed to continue to work together through the Calais Group and bilaterally to tackle the issue.
‘Noting the extensive British and Dutch contribution to European security, the leaders discussed the importance of keeping NATO strong and united as we look ahead to the 2024 Summit in Washington.
‘The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Rutte for his leadership over the last thirteen years as the Netherlands’ longest-serving Prime Minister.’
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