In a perplexing attempt to assert unity, beleaguered Rishi Sunak addressed the nation from Downing Street, claiming the Tories are “completely united.” The Prime Minister held a press conference following yet another day of Conservative turmoil over his Rwanda policy, appearing out of touch with reality.

Despite facing dissent within his own party over the Rwanda deportation policy, Sunak took to lecturing the House of Lords, urging them to pass the contentious policy. In a direct message to the Lords, responsible for scrutinising government legislation, he warned against “trying to frustrate the will of the people,” emphasising the need for the Bill’s approval.

Facing potential challenges in the upper chamber, Sunak asserted, “The House of Lords must pass this Bill,” during a brief speech from No10. Defending his position amidst reports of no-confidence letters from Tory MPs, he insisted, “I’m interested in sticking with the plan I set out for the British people because that plan is working.”

Pressed on doubts within his party about his leadership, Sunak stated, “The Conservative Party is completely united in wanting to deliver for the country, cut their taxes, and, crucially, to stop the boats.”

The Conservative infighting, reaching new depths in the polls, was evident during the final Commons vote on the Rwanda Bill, where 11 Tory MPs, including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and ex-Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, voted against. An additional 18, including former deputy party chairman Lee Anderson, right-winger Jonathan Gullis, and former PM Theresa May, abstained.

Despite Sunak’s ambition to conduct removal flights by spring, scepticism looms. Former Business Secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg expressed doubt about deportations happening before the expected 2024 general election. Amendments to the Bill failed, leading Rees-Mogg to comment on the challenges of stopping boat arrivals without the necessary strengthening.

Home Office minister Chris Philp, however, remains optimistic about the Bill’s progress in the Lords, emphasising its relative brevity. Speaking to Times Radio, Philp said, “It’s a pretty short Bill, which means it should be able to get through the House of Lords fairly fast.”