Peers in the House of Lords have pressed their demand for changes to the Rwanda scheme causing further parliamentary deadlock over Rishi Sunak’s controversial deportation plan.
The House of Lords snubbed ministerial calls to back down and insisted by 245 votes to 208, majority 37, on a requirement that the east African country cannot be treated as safe until promised protections are in place.
A short time later, the upper chamber inflicted a further defeat, again backing by 247 votes to 195, majority 52, an exemption from removal for those who worked with the UK military or Government overseas, such as Afghan interpreters.
The Lords’ insistence on the amendments ensures a fourth round of "ping-pong" over the Bill, where legislation is batted between the two Houses until agreement is reached.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been dealt another blow over his Rwanda scheme
GETTYThe legislation will now be sent back to the Commons for MPs to consider the latest changes by peers.
Earlier today, SNP home affairs spokeswoman Alison Thewliss told the Commons: "With the best will in the world, these amendments are not enough. Even if we pass them today, the Rwanda Bill is a turd which cannot be polished, it is absolutely disgusting and objectionable in every sense.
"I would ask also: will the Labour Party repeal this? Because this Bill will pass, but will the Labour Party make one of their first acts, should they become the government, to repeal this legislation?
"Or will they keep it on the statute books should they become the government after the election?"
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Rishi Sunak's flagship bill has had another setback
PAIt is now expected that the Commons will consider the changes on Monday next week, dashing No 10's hopes to get it through today.
Home Secretary James Cleverly MP, said: "Terrified that the Rwanda scheme will work, and desperate to delay or disrupt over a hundred votes about stopping the boats, Labour have acted again to block the passage of the Rwanda Bill.
"It’s been another politically cynical effort by them, who have no alternative deterrent and no plan to tackle illegal migration, to frustrate the only solution on offer.
"We want to break the criminal people smuggling gangs and stop the boats. Labour, uncomfortable with tackling immigration, will clearly stop at nothing to stop the planes."
The House of Lords' ruling means the PM will likely miss his deadline
PASpeaking earlier today, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: "Our policy on this hasn’t changed.
"We believe the Bill as it stands addresses the conclusions of the Supreme Court. Our focus now is on passing this legislation as quickly as possible so that we can begin flights."
He added: "We are not considering concessions. We believe the Bill as it stands is the right Bill and the quickest way to get flights off the ground."