Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor, has won a crucial vote on his controversial Rwanda plan, despite facing opposition from within his own party. The flagship migration legislation was passed by MPs with a majority of 44 votes, with 320 in favor and 276 against. However, Sunak now faces a battle in the House of Lords, where peers have threatened to dismantle the deportation scheme.
Sunak to address the nation
Rishi Sunak will address the nation in a press conference tomorrow morning, where he is expected to urge the House of Lords not to interfere with the bill. The legislation has already been backed by MPs, and Sunak will call on peers to support the government's approach.
Rebels fail to derail the bill
The prime minister's strategy to win over Tory rebels appears to have been successful, as the rebellion against the Rwanda plan fizzled out ahead of the vote. Despite demands from hardline Conservatives to toughen up the legislation, Sunak made few concessions. Former Cabinet Ministers Suella Braverman, Robert Jenrick, and Sir Simon Clarke were among the MPs who voted against the bill.
Lords' threat and government response
Peers in the House of Lords are already threatening to undermine the deportation scheme, prompting Downing Street to appeal to wavering MPs to support the prime minister's plan. Sunak's press secretary emphasized the government's determination to stop illegal migration and urged MPs to back the bill.
Civil servant concerns addressed
Some MPs had raised concerns that civil servants could prevent ministers from overruling European judges. In response, fresh guidance was issued to civil servants, clarifying that the decision to comply with European Court rulings rests with ministers, not civil servants.
Next steps and deportation flights
The Rwanda Bill, which aims to salvage the deportation scheme after a Supreme Court defeat, will now be considered by the House of Lords. Sunak still hopes to implement the first deportation flights in spring. In the meantime, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has said that if no migrants are sent to his country, he would be willing to return the funds received from the UK.
Rwanda's stance on the funds
While the Rwandan government has clarified that it has no obligation to return any of the funds received from the UK, they have indicated that they would consider a refund if requested by the UK government.
