Bruising showdown in commons as MPs vote on safety of Rwanda Bill – find out how your MP stood

In a surprising twist at Westminster, rebel Tories have thrown their weight behind Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s contentious Safety of Rwanda Bill, despite vocal reservations about its efficacy. The parliamentary showdown saw dissenting MPs reluctantly support the bill, fearing potential government upheaval if they opposed it.

The bill, which declares Rwanda a safe country despite concerns over human rights, barely scraped through the Commons with a majority of 44, leaving Sunak breathing a sigh of relief. Notably, prominent Tories, including Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, voiced their skepticism about the legislation but ultimately refrained from voting against it.

The final count stood at 320 in favor and 276 against, with only 11 Tory MPs, including Braverman, Jenrick, Sir Simon Clarke, and Sir Bill Cash, daring to go against the party line. In a surprising move, Lee Anderson, who resigned in protest just a day earlier, opted not to cast a vote along with 18 others, including Theresa May.

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who had vocally criticized the bill for having “fatal flaws,” highlighted the urgency to toughen it up during a heated Commons session. A group of 61 Tories, including Braverman, unsuccessfully advocated for amendments to strengthen the bill, reflecting internal party tensions.

Adding to the drama, a recent poll by YouGov revealed widespread public skepticism, with 53% doubting the bill’s ability to curb small boat crossings. Labour seized the opportunity to label Sunak as “in office but not in power,” amidst what they termed as Conservative “psychodrama.”

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame expressed frustration over the delays, hinting at a potential refund of UK taxpayers’ money if the flights under the scheme do not materialize. However, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, cast doubt on the statement, asserting that they have “no obligation” to return funds.

Labour, led by Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, urged Rishi Sunak to retrieve the money, as the UK has already allocated £240 million to Rwanda, with an additional £50 million due in April. The government, facing public skepticism, plans to bring in 150 judges to handle appeals, triggering concerns over delays for crime victims awaiting court proceedings.

In a tense parliamentary clash, Braverman emphasized the bill’s flaws, emphasizing that it represents the last chance to address the ongoing issue of boat crossings. A rebel source revealed that despite reservations, Tory MPs chose not to oppose the bill to avoid potential government collapse.

As the controversial Rwanda policy faces scrutiny, the government remains under pressure, with peers in the House of Lords expected to subject the bill to further criticism. The situation continues to unfold, creating ripples within the Conservative party and leaving the fate of Sunak’s Rwanda plan hanging in the balance.

Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron dismissed the notion of declaring Rwanda safe, referencing a Supreme Court ruling from November. SNP’s Alison Thewliss accused the government of engaging in state-sponsored people trafficking, likening it to a criminal gang orchestrating global movements of people.