- By Becky Morton
- BBC political reporter
Image source, Getty Images
The House of Lords has inflicted fresh defeats on the government over its flagship Rwanda bill.
Six proposed changes, including a provision to ensure “due regard” for domestic and international law, have been passed by peers so far.
MPs will now have to vote on the bill again, delaying the passage of the bill until after Easter.
The legislation aims to revive the government’s plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda.
It declares the east African country is safe, after deportation flights were stalled by the Supreme Court ruling the government’s plan could lead to human rights breaches.
The scheme is central to the prime minister’s pledge to “stop the boats” as it seeks to deter people from making the dangerous journey across the Channel.
Labour’s proposals on domestic and international law were passed by 271 to 228 votes.
Opposing the amendment, Home Office Minister Lord Sharpe insisted there was nothing in the bill which conflicts with the UK’s international obligations.
Meanwhile, peers also supported a proposal put forward by crossbench peer Lord Hope that Rwanda only be deemed a safe country once a treaty bringing in new safeguards has been fully implemented.
The amendment passed by 285 to 230 votes.
Other changes being considered by the Lords include a proposal from Labour peer Lord Browne that individuals who have supported the UK armed forces overseas should be exempt from deportation to Rwanda, with further votes still to come.
The bill must now return to the Commons in a process known as “ping pong”, where it is batted between the two Parliamentary chambers until they can agree the final wording.
This is now expected to happen after MPs return from their Easter break on 15 April, according to a senior government source.
Labour’s Home Affairs spokesman Lord Coaker said the party had no intention of blocking the bill completely.
However, a delay could threaten Downing Street’s ambition to get the first flights off the ground this spring.
No 10 officials insist that even if the legislation is not passed until after Easter, their target date can still be met.
On Monday, MPs voted down 10 amendments to the draft law proposed by peers earlier this month and they are likely to again reject any further changes put forward in the House of Lords.
Home Office Minister Michael Tomlinson has described the proposals put forward by peers as “wrecking amendments”.
Ahead of the Lords debate, Home Secretary James Cleverly urged peers to allow the bill to pass.
“The more this bill progresses, the more worried Labour get that, as we’ve always said, it will work and the more we’ve anticipated deliberate efforts from Labour to delay, disrupt or sabotage the scheme,” he told the Daily Express.
“We remain focused on not letting that happen, and hope their lordships recognise it’s time to let this bill pass so we can continue to stop the boats, and save lives.”
Labour has said it would scrap the Rwanda scheme if it wins power, even if flights take off before the next general election.
However, asked if any individuals already sent to the country would be returned to the UK under a Labour government, a party spokesman said they would not, adding: “If the scheme is up and running you have to accept the decisions the government has already made.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
