Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has successfully navigated a potential Tory rebellion over his Rwanda bill, securing a majority vote in its favor. Despite this initial triumph, challenges lie ahead as the legislation progresses through Parliament, with key votes slated for the new year.
The Rwanda bill, aimed at reviving the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, faced its first Commons hurdle and passed with a majority of 44. Notably, no Tory MPs voted against it, but some on the right of the party rebelled through abstention.
Internal Dissent and Considerations
Critics within the Tory party, particularly those on the right, expressed concerns and sought reassurances from the Prime Minister. Some rebels indicated that they were told the bill might be tightened.
However, this potential modification risks losing support from centrist Tory MPs who have emphasized adherence to international law.
The emergency legislation aims to deter migrants from crossing the Channel in small boats, a priority highlighted by Prime Minister Sunak. The government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is a key component of this strategy.
Climate Minister Graham Stuart, highlighting the significance of the bill, flew back from the COP28 climate conference to participate in the vote. Despite threats from some Tories on the right, only opposition MPs voted against the bill, resulting in a 313-269 victory.
Factions within the Tory party, such as the European Research Group (ERG) and others, announced their inability to support the bill in its current form. They plan to propose amendments in the new year and have indicated a potential vote against the bill if their suggested changes are not accepted.
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Rishi Sunak’s Win, Tory Strife, and Rwanda Bill’s Uncertain Journey
The One Nation group, comprising over 100 Tory MPs, recommended voting for the bill but cautioned against amendments breaching international law. Members of this group expressed the need for sensible compromise while upholding legal principles.
The One Nation Chairman, Damian Green, suggested that if the government remains firm, it could likely see the legislation through Parliament intact. Home Office Minister Chris Philp agreed to tighten the bill based on MPs’ suggestions.
Labor, along with other opposition parties, voted against the bill. Labour’s shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, criticized the Tories’ internal discord, characterizing it as a “Tory psychodrama” impacting the country.
While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has secured an initial victory on the Rwanda bill, the internal Tory dissent and the potential for amendments pose challenges in the legislative process. The dynamics within the party and the delicate balance between pragmatism and ideology will likely shape the bill’s future as it progresses through Parliament
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