Former Deputy PM Therese Coffey’s recent attack on Labour regarding the Rwanda deportation scheme turned into a cringe-worthy moment in the Commons. The Tory MP tried to scold Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, expressing astonishment that she couldn’t even “get the name of the country right” when referring to the “Kigali government.” (Note: Kigali is the capital of Rwanda, housing most government offices.) Adding to the embarrassment, multiple Tory Home Secretaries have proudly visited Kigali to tout the deportation plan.

During Wednesday’s parliamentary session, Coffey remarked, “I have to say I was somewhat astonished at the speech of the Shadow Home Secretary who can’t even get the name of the country right, talking about the Kigali government. We’re talking about Rwanda – a respected country that has recently been President of the Commonwealth.”

This comment prompted a smirk from both a bemused Ms. Cooper and Shadow Home Office Minister Stephen Kinnock, seated on Labour’s frontbench.

The awkward blunder unfolded just minutes before Rishi Sunak dodged another day of rebellion over his Rwanda Bill. Despite threats from factions on the Tory right, only 11 Tory MPs, including ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman and former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, voted against.

An additional 18, including former deputy party chairman Lee Anderson (who dramatically quit in protest on Tuesday), right-winger Jonathan Gullis, and ex-PM Theresa May, opted not to cast a vote. While the PM aims for removal flights by spring, doubts linger. Former Business Secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg deemed deportations unlikely before the next general election, expected in the second half of 2024, after amendments to the Bill failed. “I think it will be very difficult to stop the boats without the strengthening that I was supporting,” he told BBC Newsnight.

Despite anticipated challenges in the upper chamber, Home Office minister Chris Philp remains optimistic about the Bill’s swift passage through the Lords. Speaking to Times Radio, Mr. Philp noted, “It’s a pretty short Bill, which means it should be able to get through the House of Lords fairly fast.” Will this drama continue to unfold? Stay tuned for the latest political gossip!”