Rishi Sunak holds crucial talks with Tory rebels ahead of Rwanda deal vote

The PM urges right-wing MPs to support his plan or risk government meltdown

Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor, held crucial talks with Tory rebels this morning in a bid to secure their support for his Rwanda deal. The make-or-break vote on the emergency Rwanda Bill is scheduled for tonight in the Commons. With the government on a knife-edge, Sunak urged right-wing MPs to back his plan and get flights off the ground. This comes after a group of hardline Tories criticized the legislation, calling it a "partial and incomplete solution" to the issue of future removals being blocked in the courts.

Ben Wallace urges colleagues to support the Bill and avoid "wrecking" the government

In a significant intervention, Ben Wallace, the former Defence Secretary, urged his colleagues to support the Rwanda Bill instead of jeopardizing the government. Wallace, who resigned as Defence Secretary recently, emphasized the importance of backing the legislation during this critical moment. Downing Street also published legal advice to counter the critics, stating that breaking international law would be contrary to the UK's constitutional tradition of liberty and justice.

Toughening the Bill could lead to Rwanda pulling out, warns Downing Street

Downing Street has been firm in its stance that any attempts to toughen the Rwanda Bill could result in Rwanda withdrawing from the flagship removal scheme. Five caucuses within the Conservative Party, known as the "Five Families," have demanded that the PM makes the Bill more robust before the Commons showdown. However, if the legislation is amended, it could potentially lead to the collapse of the entire plan. The PM needs to prevent 29 MPs from rebelling or 53 from abstaining to secure the passage of the Bill.