The future of Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda bill is in the balance as Conservative MPs rebel over proposed changes to the legislation. Two deputy chairmen of the party, Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith, as well as ministerial aide Jane Stevenson, resigned to vote for amendments that they believe would strengthen the bill. This represents a significant blow to the Prime Minister’s authority, as 60 Tory MPs backed rebel amendments.
While Number 10 remains confident that the bill will pass, there are preparations underway to offer concessions. MPs will continue to debate potential changes to the legislation in the Commons on Wednesday. If the bill remains unamended, a vote will take place later. However, if around 30 Tories join opposition parties, the bill could be defeated.
Former ministers Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman are among at least four Conservative MPs who have publicly stated that they would vote against the bill if it is not improved, but it is unknown how many more might follow suit. Even if the bill passes, a significant rebellion would reveal the extent of divisions with the Conservative Party, posing a potential political cost for the Prime Minister.
The Rwanda policy aims to deter people from crossing the Channel in small boats by reviving the government’s plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda. Some critics have claimed that the policy is both futile and inhumane. If the bill is approved, the government may face a further challenge getting it through the House of Lords, where opposition is likely to be stronger
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More