Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda plan has been dealt hammer blow as the House of Lords inflicted yet another defeat on the Government over protections for asylum seekers claiming to be unaccompanied children.
Members of the Upper Chamber voted 265 to 181 in favour of restoring the ability of domestic courts to fully consider an appeal against an age assessment decision before the claimant is removed to Rwanda.
The amendment, tabled by Labour Baroness Lister of Burtersett, is centred around concern about the Rwanda Bill failing to cover unaccompanied children and will disapply Section 57 of the Illegal Migration Act.
It was sponsored by Lord Dubs, the Lord Bishop of Chelmsford and Crossbench Baroness Neuberger.
The House of Lords is wreaking havoc for Rishi Sunak
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The Prime Minister hopes the legislation will enable his Government to deport illegal immigrants to the African nation in a bid to halt Channel crossing asylum seekers.
However, Sunak has faced a number of setbacks since pushing the policy through Parliament.
The Supreme Court also ruled the Rwanda policy was unlawful last year as the Government was forced to put forward fresh legislation confirming the African nation is safe.
Members of the House of Lords already passed five amendments to Sunak’s Rwanda Bill.
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A picture of Channel crossing migrants arriving in KentPAThe amendments looked to ensure the legislation complied with the rule of law and declared Parliament cannot decide Rwanda to be safe until the treaty with its promised safeguards is fully implemented.
The Lords also supported a move which would allow the presumption the country is a secure haven to be challenged in the courts.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby was among those supporting the quintet of amendments.
Tory grandees Lord Clarke, Lord Debden and Viscount Hailsham also voted against Sunak’s Government.
Rishi Sunak at an immigration raid in HarrowPAThe situation could result in “ping-pong” between the Commons and Lords.
Sunak previously warned the Lords against frustrating “the will of the people” by hampering the passage of his Bill.
Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron added: “Rwanda is a safe country in our view, they have made huge steps forward over recent years, they look after many refugees in Rwanda very well.
“And we need to get this bill through Parliament, get some of these flights away to demonstrate that this country is not going to put up with large-scale illegal migration.”
The Safety of Rwanda Bill sailed through the House of Commons with a majority of 44 after a half-hearted rebellion by a few dozen backbench Tory MPs fell flat.
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.
