Peers threaten to derail Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill, Tory MPs warn of opposition (Image: Getty)
Peers plotting to derail Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill will be "stifling" the will of the British public if they carry out the threat.
Tory MPs have warned them not to “water down” or delay the key legislation so that flights to the east African country can get off the ground this spring.
Their warning comes amid fears the Lib Dems could try and thwart it in the House of Lords. The party’s 80 peers plan to defy convention by voting against the Safety of Rwanda bill at its second reading.
Ministers believe the bill to declare Rwanda a safe country is crucial to getting the flights to Kigali.
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But in a highly unusual move, Lord Mike German has tabled a “fatal motion” that would kill off the government’s legislation.
It claims Rishi Sunak’s deportation plan risks breaching the UK’s international law commitments and will lead to “substantial costs” to the taxpayer.
Labour peers could also try and meddle with the legislation in the Lords.
Furious Tory MPs from all sides of the party blasted the attempts to frustrate the bill’s progression.
Craig Tracey, Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party, said: "I know from speaking to people up and down the country, that they want to see this legislation passed as quickly as possible, so they won't take kindly to opposition parties in the Lords attempting to stifle democracy."
“This Bill is not just about protecting our borders but also smashing the criminal gangs who endanger life for profit - I’m sure the Labour and Lib dem peers in the Lords will not want to be seen to be on their side rather than that of their own citizens in the UK."
Matt Warman, a leading member of the One Nation group, said: “Without the Rwanda deterrent, there are fewer tools available for the vital task of stopping the boats. When the Bill comes to the Lords, I would urge those involved to take a similar common-sense approach to the Commons."
“Watering it down is the wrong thing to do, and a host of top lawyers agree that it is reasonable as it stands.”
The legislation cleared the Commons this month with only 11 Tory rebels voting against it.
Mr Sunak has previously warned the House of Lords to respect the “will of the people” and drop threats to the Rwanda Bill, which aims to allow deportations of illegal migrants to the country.
Marco Longhi, a Tory backbencher from the Right of the party, said: “The attempt by Lib Dem Lords to undermine the Safety of Rwanda bill not only disregards public will but highlights an out-of-touch approach."
“We’re tired of unelected figures throwing roadblocks; it’s time for accountable actions.”
Labour is not expected to block it at its second reading, with peers focusing on laying down amendments to it instead.
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Tory sources said they fear some peers will try to “tempt” moderate Tories such as Sir Robert Buckland to support their amendments.
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Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said she wouldn’t “rule out” Britain leaving the ECHR.
But she told GB News: “We’re not there yet.”
Tory backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg said: "It is important that the unelected Lords sticks to its task of improving legislation. It is not there to supplant the judgement of the people via their elected representatives."
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