Despite an attempt at a Tory rebellion, Rishi Sunak has managed to pass his Rwanda bill through the House of Commons. The bill aims to put a stop to legal challenges against ministers’ plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, which Mr Sunak argues will deter migrants from crossing the Channel in small boats. Labour, however, has labelled the plan an expensive ‘gimmick’. The bill received 320 votes in favour and 276 against.
The bill will now face stiff opposition in the House of Lords. Over the past two days, MPs on the right of the Conservative Party have attempted to change the bill, arguing that, without amendments, the government’s Rwanda plan could still be blocked by the courts. An amendment was tabled by former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick which would permit the UK government to overlook part of human rights law relating to deportations. However, the amendment was not approved by MPs.
Some MPs had suggested they would be willing to abstain or even vote against the entire bill if it remained unchanged. If about 30 Conservatives had voted against the bill, it could have fallen, which would have caused significant damage to the prime minister’s authority.
Despite the successful passing of the bill, the debate over the legislation has highlighted ongoing divisions among Conservatives. The rebel MPs have threatened to table amendments in the future that would toughen the bill should the House of Lords send back amendments that weaken it
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