Rwanda Bill: MPs swat down Lord amendments in major boost for Rishi Sunak

MPs have rejected the first eight Lord amendments of Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda asylum bill.

The House of Commons are voting on 10 amendments to the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum & Immigration) bill that were passed this month.

Amendment one of the Bill has been rejected 328 to 250 – a majority of 78.

The amendment was issued to ensure the Bill abides by domestic and international law.

MPs voted 324 to 253 – a majority of 71 – to reject Lords amendment two.

This amendment was put forward to guarantee that Parliament cannot declare Rwanda a safe country.

Amendment number three has also been blocked by the Commons with 324 to 253 – another majority of 71.

This amendment calls for a monitoring system to ensure the treaty’s terms are kept.

The fourth was rejected by 321 to 252 – a majority of 69.

The amendment would have allowed the legislation’s presumption that Rwanda is safe to be challenged in court.

MPs voted 322 to 249 against amendment five which would see courts consider appeals based on Rwanda’s safety.

Amendment six has fallen in the Commons by 324 to 251.

It would have allowed courts and tribunals to consider if Rwanda is safe.

The seventh has also been rejected, with MPs voting 320 to 250 against the Lords’ change.

This amendment would have offered protections for asylum seekers claiming to be unaccompanied children.

Amendment eight has been shot down by the Commons by 318 to 255.

More to follow…