Lords Deliver Major Blow To Rwanda Bill Plans With String Of Defeats For PM

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plans to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda in a bid to curb Channel crossings suffered a major setback yesterday as the House of Lords delivered a string of victories to his opponents. In a series of votes that underlined widespread unease over the government’s flagship Rwanda bill, peers backed five changes that will require the legislation to be amended.

Among those siding with the amendments were senior Conservatives like former Chancellor Ken Clarke as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. The sizeable margins of around 100 votes in each case marked some of the largest defeats Sunak has faced since entering No.10. His warning that the Lords should not stand in the way of the people’s will over the Rwanda bill clearly failed to sway sufficient numbers of peers.

What do the amendments mean for the Rwanda plans?

The changes mean the bill will have to return to the Commons for further scrutiny and possible changes before it can become law. This delays the timetable for Sunak’s stated goal of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda as soon as this spring. Key amendments included ensuring the courts can scrutinise any claim that Rwanda is deemed a safe country for removals under the controversial Rwanda bill. This raises major questions over whether deportations can actually begin as planned.

The Prime Minister is now facing pressure to seriously rethink the Rwanda bill or risk even more protracted battles in the Lords. With critics arguing it undermines the rule of law and human rights protections, yesterday’s defeats show the policy faces significant obstacles to becoming a reality. Sunak may have to seriously recalibrate his plans if he wants them to navigate both Houses of Parliament.