Tory MPs Led by Robert Jenrick Seek Changes to Controversial Rwanda Bill

A group of Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs), spearheaded by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, is gearing up to push for amendments to the contentious Rwanda Bill. The bill, a cornerstone of the government’s strategy, aims to revive plans to send certain asylum seekers to Rwanda in East Africa.

Approximately 40 MPs, led by Jenrick, argue that the proposed changes will “strengthen” the law and curb people smuggling into the UK, particularly through small boats. The group, which includes prominent figures such as former prime minister Liz Truss, former home secretary Suella Braverman, former party leader Iain Duncan Smith, and former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, is expected to table four amendments next week.

Jenrick expressed concerns about the efficacy of the current draft, stating that “the Bill as drafted simply will not work.” The amendments proposed by the rebel group seek to limit the circumstances under which migrants can challenge their deportation to Rwanda. Additionally, they aim to make it the default position for ministers to ignore injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that could block flights.

Despite the expected amendments, it is unlikely that they will garner sufficient support in the Commons to pass. The crucial question revolves around the number of supporters willing to vote against the government’s plans if the amendments are not accepted.

While the bill has faced opposition from within the Conservative Party, with over 20 Tories abstaining during its second reading, a rebellion against it has not materialized. The group’s impact could potentially become significant during the final stages of the bill, especially if the government fails to make concessions.

In contrast, some MPs within the One Nation Group of Tory MPs on the left are adamant that the bill should remain unchanged, emphasizing the need for a robust asylum policy.

The unamended Rwanda Bill aims to establish in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country for sending asylum seekers, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that the previous policy was unlawful in November. The legislation directs British judges and courts to overlook certain sections of the UK Human Rights Act.

Despite the provision for asylum seekers to challenge their removal based on personal circumstances, ministers could disregard emergency orders from the ECHR to suspend flights to Rwanda during individual legal cases.

Robert Jenrick, who resigned as a minister due to his opposition to the Rwanda scheme, emphasized the importance of fixing the bill to prevent illegal crossings and the wastage of taxpayers’ money. He urged the government to adopt the proposed amendments to fulfill promises made to the public regarding border control.

The amendments, designed to address legal challenges by migrants, would treat injunctions from the ECHR as non-binding on the government. They would also expand “notwithstanding” clauses, allowing the bill to override conflicting laws that might hinder deportations to Rwanda.

Downing Street has defended the bill, calling it “the toughest legislation ever introduced to Parliament” and emphasizing parliamentary sovereignty over foreign courts. The ongoing debate over the Rwanda Bill underscores the complex dynamics within the Conservative Party and the challenges associated with crafting a comprehensive asylum policy.