Right-Wing Rebels Threaten to Derail the Bill
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will face scrutiny today as he tackles the growing rebellion within his own party over the controversial Rwanda Bill. Tory rebels have vowed to "kill the bill" when it returns to the House of Commons in January, prompting concerns of a New Year's uprising. The Chancellor will be pressed on his plans to control the rebellion during today's Prime Minister's Questions.
Rebellion Leads to Delay in Toughening the Bill
Last night, more than two dozen right-wing Tory MPs abstained from voting on the emergency deportation legislation, causing a delay in efforts to toughen it up. Despite this, not a single rebel voted against the bill, which ultimately passed with a majority of 44 votes. However, rebel ringleaders have warned that the stay of execution may only be temporary.
Conservative Party United, Labour Accused of Wrecking the Bill
James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, has insisted that it is "absolutely wrong" to suggest that many Tories do not want the Rwanda Bill to succeed. He stated that the Conservative Party is united in its desire to get the legislation right and effectively stop illegal migration. Cleverly accused the Labour Party of trying to "wreck" the bill, while expressing openness to good faith amendments that align with international law and satisfy the Rwandan government.
Right-Wing Rebels Threaten to Kill the Bill
A right-wing rebel within the Conservative Party has put the Prime Minister on notice, warning that without amendments, the bill will be "killed" next month. The rebels, collectively known as the "Five Families," consist of five different Tory groups. Their leader, Mark Francois, cited numerous omissions in the bill as the reason for their opposition.
Tensions Rise as Rebels Express Frustration
The handling of the rebels' concerns by the government has sparked anger and frustration. At one point, it was suggested that rebels would face consequences if they voted against the bill. This led to a confrontation between right-wing MP Sir Bill Cash and chief whip Simon Hart. Rebel sources have criticized Hart's engagement with them as "woeful."
PM Leads Lobbying Efforts to Secure Support
Prime Minister Boris Johnson personally led a day of intense lobbying, starting with a breakfast meeting with the New Conservatives caucus. He appealed to hardliners to back the bill, promising the possibility of "tightening it up" in the New Year. The PM stressed that supporting the bill is crucial to tackle illegal immigration.
