Prime Minister Urges House of Lords to Pass Rwanda Bill as Flights Remain Uncertain
In a press conference following the approval of the Rwanda bill by MPs, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called on the House of Lords to pass the legislation, emphasizing the importance of not “frustrating the will of the people.” The bill, which aims to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, was passed by 320 to 276 votes in the House of Commons, marking a significant victory for the government. However, the Prime Minister did not provide a specific date for when flights carrying asylum seekers would commence.
Despite facing opposition and rebellion from some Conservative MPs who believe the bill needs further strengthening, Sunak remains determined to implement his flagship policy. The bill’s objective is to discourage individuals from crossing the English Channel in small boats, a priority for Sunak’s premiership. However, the Labour party has criticized the bill as an expensive “gimmick” that is both unworkable and unlawful.
Before becoming law, the bill must receive approval from the House of Lords, where it is expected to face strong opposition. While it is unlikely that the Lords will vote down the bill entirely, they have the power to propose changes that could potentially delay its progress. Lord Carlile, a leading lawyer and former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, described the bill as “a step towards totalitarianism,” suggesting that many peers would view it as an illegitimate interference by politics with the law.
Prime Minister Sunak urged peers to pass the bill unamended and as quickly as possible to ensure that flights can begin operating. He emphasized that this is an urgent national priority. However, Labour’s shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock argued that it is crucial for the House of Lords to scrutinize legislation, highlighting its vital role in democracy.
When asked about the timeline for flights to commence, Prime Minister Sunak stated that he wants it to happen as quickly as possible but did not provide a concrete date. Home Office minister Chris Philp previously mentioned that the “target” was for flights to leave by spring, aligning with Sunak’s aim. However, critics of the bill believe that legal challenges could still pose obstacles and potentially delay or block deportation flights even after the legislation becomes law.
Peers are scheduled to begin debating the Rwanda bill before the end of this month, with crucial votes expected to take place in early March. Following this, the bill will enter the reconciliation process, known as “ping pong,” where the House of Commons and the House of Lords attempt to reconcile their versions of the bill. The government will likely seek to remove any changes made by the Lords during this stage. If all goes according to plan, the bill should pass around mid-March.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the Rwanda bill, Prime Minister Sunak remains determined to see it through. The outcome of the House of Lords’ deliberations will determine the fate of this controversial legislation and whether it will be enacted into law.