Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s high-profile Rwanda Bill, designed to address immigration concerns, is at risk of being rejected on Wednesday. The legislation proposes redirecting asylum-seekers, arriving in the UK through clandestine routes, to Rwanda for the processing of their claims. However, the fate of the bill appears uncertain as Sunak grapples with internal dissent within his party.
A prominent figure in the rebellion is former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, leading a faction of 60 Tory rebels poised to vote against the bill unless a crucial amendment is included. The proposed amendment seeks to bar asylum-seekers from filing legal appeals against their deportation. Johnson’s group contends that this addition aims to fortify the bill. Notably, two Conservative MPs, Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith, resigned as deputy chairs of the Conservative Party on Tuesday, aligning themselves with the rebellion against Sunak’s legislation.
Concerns are raised among Conservative moderates who fear that the bill may already run afoul of international refugee law. This has led them to signal potential opposition to further strengthening the language within the legislation.
Sunak faces an additional hurdle as there are apprehensions that Rwanda might reject the deal if the amendment is incorporated. With the Labour Party committed to voting against the legislation on principle, the bill’s prospects hinge on resolving the internal Tory revolt and rallying Conservatives to vote cohesively.
The prevention of the arrival of “small boats” carrying refugees has been a central goal of Sunak’s government. A potential defeat of a key component of this legislation could prove disastrous, especially at a time when the Conservative Party is already anticipated to face significant challenges from Labour in the upcoming general election later this year.
