Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a challenge from within his own party regarding a key bill related to sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. While the bill passed its initial vote in the Commons with a majority of 44, there are more votes to come in the new year.
Interestingly, no Conservative MPs voted against the bill, but some critics within the party, especially on the right, chose to abstain from voting. These rebels were informed that the Prime Minister might consider making the bill more stringent. However, this move could risk losing the support of more centrist Tory MPs who are concerned about changes that might violate international law.
The emergency legislation aims to revive the government’s plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda. According to the government, this scheme is intended to discourage migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats, a priority for Prime Minister Sunak.
There were signs of nervousness in Downing Street, with Climate Minister Graham Stuart returning from the COP28 climate conference in Dubai to vote. Despite concerns about potential rebellion from some Tories on the right, the bill ultimately passed with 313 votes in favor and 269 against.
About 29 Conservative MPs, including former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick (who resigned over the legislation) and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, chose to abstain from supporting the bill. Additionally, 37 Tory MPs did not record a vote, though some might have been unable to attend rather than intentionally abstaining.
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