Sunak defies rebellion, urges swift passage of controversial migration plan in House of Lords

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, facing internal dissent and pressure to fulfill a flagship policy, has successfully navigated the House of Commons with his contentious plan to send migrants to Rwanda.

The 44-vote majority in favor was deemed a “very strong majority” by Sunak, who now urges the unelected House of Lords not to impede the bill’s parliamentary passage with amendments.

Sunak, appointed internally after Liz Truss’s brief tenure, aims to cut both regular and irregular immigration, despite promises to tighten borders post-Brexit.

This unexpected policy shift, not part of the Tories’ 2019 election platform, is expected to be a focal point in the upcoming nationwide vote, where the Labour party is anticipated to make significant gains.

In a Downing Street news conference, Sunak stressed the urgency of the bill’s clearance in the Lords, emphasizing the will of the people expressed by the elected House.

He faced disquiet from Conservative rebels who initially opposed the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, citing concerns about its efficacy. However, they ultimately backed down, and the government secured a comfortable victory with 320 votes to 276.

Sunak’s proposal, a response to a Supreme Court ruling deeming deportations to Kigali illegal, is a pivotal aspect of his political future, with promises to “stop the boats” crossing the Channel from France.

Despite his determination, critics label the plan an expensive gimmick, accusing the government of neglecting asylum backlogs.

The bill, if passed in the Lords, would designate Rwanda as a safe third country and grant UK ministers powers to bypass sections of international and British human rights legislation.

This move has sparked unease among Lords, including former senior judges, who question its compatibility with international human rights and refugee law. As the government pushes for a swift passage in the Lords, the fate of Sunak’s controversial migration plan hangs in the balance.