Right-Wing Rebels Threaten to Defeat Emergency Legislation
Rebel Tory MPs have sent a strong message to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, warning him that they have enough support to defeat his emergency deportation bill in the Commons.
Concerns Over Weaknesses and Loopholes
Right-wing MPs argue that the new deportation law is too weak and full of loopholes, stating that they will not support it unless significant changes are made.
Left-Wing Conservatives to Vote with Conditions
Meanwhile, left-wing Conservatives have stated that they will vote for the bill tomorrow, but only if it remains unchanged throughout the parliamentary process.
No10 Insists on Vote Despite Calls for Withdrawal
Despite growing calls to withdraw the legislation and return with a stronger version in the New Year, Downing Street has insisted that the vote will proceed as planned.
"Now or Never" for Right-Wing Rebels
There are concerns among right-wing MPs that this is their last chance to make significant changes to the bill. They are considering either abstaining and seeking future amendments or striking it out altogether.
Potential Historic Defeat at Second Reading
If the bill is defeated at the Second Reading stage, it would be the first time since 1986 that a new law was rejected at this initial voting stage.
Rebel MPs Demand Major Surgery or Replacement
Over 40 right-wing MPs met to discuss the bill and expressed their unanimous desire for significant changes or a complete replacement. They plan to relay their concerns to the Prime Minister in the coming hours.
"Partial and Incomplete Solution"
A group of lawyers representing hardliner MPs has criticized the deportation legislation, calling it a "partial and incomplete solution" that fails to address future removal challenges in the courts.
Call to Pull the Bill and Start Again
Mark Francois, a prominent rebel leader, has urged Rishi Sunak to "pull" the bill and start from scratch due to the perceived flaws and loopholes. He called for a new version that is "fit for purpose."
Government Faces Pressure to Withdraw the Bill
Multiple channels have been used to pressure the Chancellor to withdraw the bill. However, the Attorney General, Victoria Prentis, has stated that the government has gone as far as it can and urged them to stand firm against any unacceptable amendments.
Right-Wing Concerns Over Rwanda Deportation Appeal
The main concern among right-wing MPs is that the bill still allows individual appeals for deportation to Rwanda by small boat crossers.
Legal Advice Supports Government's Position
Downing Street has published legal advice stating that not allowing these appeals would be a breach of international law and contrary to the UK's tradition of liberty and justice.
Tory Civil War Erupts
The resignation of MP Robert Jenrick, who argued for a stronger bill, has triggered a Tory civil war. The legislation disallows certain elements of the Human Rights Act but does not completely override it, as some MPs desired.
Make-or-Break Moment for Rishi Sunak
Chancellor Rishi Sunak's political future hangs in the balance as he seeks to prevent 28 MPs from rebelling or 56 abstaining, which would derail the deportation plan.
Rebels Demand Significant Amendments
Leading rebel Mark Francois and new Conservatives leader Danny Kruger have cited legal opinions calling for "very significant amendments" to the bill to ensure its effectiveness and the resumption of deportation flights to Rwanda.
Nigel Farage Slams "Cop Out" Bill
Nigel Farage has criticized Rishi Sunak's deportation bill, calling it a "total joke" and urging Tory MPs to vote against it. He warned that the Conservative Party is heading for electoral catastrophe if it fails to keep its promises.
