Tory civil war escalates as Sunak issued migration ultimatum in fight for survival

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak leaves after testifying at the Covid Inquiry on December 11, 2023 in London, England

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak leaves after testifying at the Covid Inquiry on December 11, 2023 in London, England

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Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 11/12/2023

- 19:08

Updated: 12/12/2023

- 08:01

A group of around 100 liberal-leaning Tory MPs have been advised to vote for the Prime Minister's newest Rwanda immigration plan in its second reading

Rishi Sunak is facing yet another Tory civil war after being issued with an ultimatum on his Safety of Rwanda Bill.

Despite recommending its members support the plan, the One Nation Caucus withheld its unequivocal support for the legislation if it reaches the third reading.


Liberal-leaning Tory MPs remain concerned about any future amendments meaning the Government breaches the rule of law and its international obligations.

The group of around 100 MPs will be advised to oppose amendments which could potentially cause this issue.

WATCH NOW: ERG chairman Mark Francois discusses Sunak's vote tomorrow

Ashford MP Damian Green, who chairs the One Nation Cacus, said: "We have taken the decision that the most important thing at this stage is to support the Bill despite our real concerns.

"We strongly urge the Government to stand firm against any attempt to amend the Bill in a way that would make it unaccpetable to those who believe that support for the rule of law is a basic Conservative principle."

Former Culture Minister Matt Warman added: "The Bill as it stands represents a delicate balance between what is legally possible and what will make a real difference to this vital issue.

"It is in the national interest for the Conservative Party to resolve this matter quickly and amicably, and for the Government to resist proposals that would derail other parts of the package of measures necessary to tackle illegal migration."

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Damian Green MP arrives at BBC Broadcasting House for the Laura Keunssberg Show on December 10

Damian Green MP arrives at BBC Broadcasting House for the Laura Keunssberg Show on December 10

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The Prime Minister could also face a rebellion tomorrow after MPs on the right of the party voiced concern about the Safety of Rwanda Bill.

The Brexit-backing European Research Group, who plagued both David Cameron and Theresa May's premiership with a number of constitutional challenges, said the new law aimed at overcoming legal hurdles does not go "far enough to deliver the policy".

The ERG has not decided whether to back the legislation as Sunak faces his crunch Commons vote tomorrow.

Mark Francois, who chairs the Eurosceptic faction, said: "The feeling very much in the meeting is that the government would be best advised to pull the bill and come up with a revised version that works better than this one which has so many holes in it."

The ERG's legal analysis argues the bill still allows individuals to challenge their removal to Rwanda if their specific personal circumstances mean this would put them at risk of serious harm.

The Government is hoping to win over wavering MPs by circulating modelling which shows the projected effects of the proposed legislation.

Conservative Party MP Mark Francois speaks in the chamber of the House of Commons, WestminsterConservative Party MP Mark Francois speaks in the chamber of the House of Commons, WestminsterPA

Data compiled by the Home Office revealed 90 per cent of those appealing against deportation to Rwanda would see their appeals rejected between 10 and 12 days after arriving in the UK.

Around five per cent would would be expected to have their appeals accepted and the remainder would likely go to Rwanda.

However, ringleaders on the Tory right believe they have the numbers to defeat the Government tomorrow night.

A group of Tories, known as the New Conservatives, will meet at No10 for breakfast tomorrow morning.

A spokesperson for the New Conservatives said tonight: "More than 40 colleagues met tonight to discuss the Bill.

"Every member of that discussion said the Bill needs major surgery and replacement and they will be making that plain in the morning to the Prime Minister at breakfast and over the next 24 hours."

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