PM Rishi Sunak says he's 'confident' about Rwanda legislation

       Boris Johnson has thrown his weight behind rebel amendments to toughen up the Rwanda Bill.

       The former prime minister insisted the legislation, aimed at getting the Rwanda plan off the ground, should be as "legally robust as possible".

       Mr Johnson said in a post on social media platform X: "Governments around the world are now trying to imitate the UK Rwanda policy for tackling illegal people trafficking.

       "This Bill must be as legally robust as possible - and the right course is to adopt the amendments."

       His intervention comes as Rishi Sunak is braced for a Commons showdown over the Safety of Rwanda Bill.

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       Governments around the world are now trying to imitate the UK Rwanda policy for tackling illegal people trafficking. This bill must be as legally robust as possible - and the right course is to adopt the amendments. https://t.co/lOpdbpzWl5

       — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 16, 2024

       More than 60 right-wing MPs have backed amendments seeking to beef up the legislation.

       The changes have been tabled by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick and veteran Sir Bill Cash.

       But Mr Sunak is walking a tightrope as those on the left of the party will oppose moves to strengthen the Bill due to fears about breaching international law.

       Tory deputy chairmen Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith have said they will defy the Government and vote for the amendments meaning Mr Sunak will be forced to consider sacking them.

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       The amendments would disapply international law from the Bill and severely limit individual asylum seekers' ability to appeal against being put on a flight to Kigali.

       If they are selected, they are unlikely to pass as they will not get Labour support.

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       But the real test will come at the third reading tomorrow when rebels may vote against the entire Bill.

       The legislation and a new treaty with Rwanda are intended to get planes off the tarmac following a Supreme Court ruling against the plan.

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