Tories suffer fresh rebellion as MPs back Rwanda amendment
Bill Cash's amendment to the Safety of Rwanda Asylum and Immigration Act 2024
Rishi Sunak has suffered a fresh blow to his authority as 68 MPs, including 60 Tories, voted in favor of an amendment to the Safety of Rwanda Asylum and Immigration Act 2024 proposed by veteran Conservative Sir Bill Cash. The amendment, Clause 2 10, would have required the government to obtain parliamentary approval before sending asylum seekers to Rwanda.
A blow to Sunak's authority
The vote is a significant blow to Sunak, who is already facing pressure over the cost of living crisis and the partygate scandal. It also highlights the growing divisions within the Conservative Party over immigration policy.
The government has defended the Rwanda policy, saying it is necessary to deter people from making dangerous journeys across the Channel. However, critics argue that it is inhumane and will not be effective in reducing the number of people seeking asylum in the UK.
The Commons will debate and vote on the amendment on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The government is expected to defeat the amendment, but the vote will be a further indication of the divisions within the Conservative Party.
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