Rishi Sunak is facing a major crisis within the Conservative Party as two deputy chairs announce their support for rebel amendments opposing international human rights laws in the Rwanda deportation bill.
MPs Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith are defying the prime minister's stance by endorsing right-wing challenges to the controversial legislation. Up to 70 other MPs are reportedly considering abstaining or opposing the bill during Tuesday's parliamentary debate. This rebellion, particularly by the two "red wall" MPs, is seen as a direct challenge to Sunak's authority, putting their party roles at risk.
In an attempt to salvage the Rwanda bill, Sunak is threatening to ignore European Court of Human Rights injunctions that hinder deportation flights to Rwanda. Anderson, the MP for Ashfield, and Clarke-Smith, the MP for Bassetlaw, have openly declared their support for rebel amendments proposed by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick and veteran Tory Sir Bill Cash.
Other figures, including Jane Stevenson, a parliamentary private secretary in the Department for Business and Trade, and Tory MP Simon Clarke, have also indicated their willingness to back rebel amendments. The former junior minister Andrea Jenkyns is calling for more rebels, suggesting a vote of no confidence to replace Sunak with a "true Conservative leader."
While government insiders believe the bill may pass the committee stage on Tuesday, the third reading vote on Wednesday poses a tougher challenge. Only 29 rebel Tory MPs or 57 abstentions could result in failure.
Downing Street dismisses the rightwing rebels as a "paper tiger," underestimating their resolve. Sunak, Home Secretary James Cleverly, and government aides have been meeting with MPs critical of the bill, attempting to address concerns about its loopholes.
In an effort to win over the party's right, Sunak has strengthened his stance on rule 39, promising not to let a foreign court impede deportation flights. He has emphasized a clause in the bill allowing ministers to decide whether to comply with rule 39 rulings.
To further appease the Tory right, No 10 has appointed Michael Tomlinson, the illegal immigration minister, to handle Strasbourg rulings, hoping this move will address concerns about automatic compliance with rule 39 injunctions.
Sunak's room for maneuver is limited by the One Nation bloc of moderate MPs, warning that accepting rightwing amendments could breach international law. The outcome remains uncertain as Sunak rejects the extreme version of the bill proposed by the hardline Tories.
In a different context, reflecting on the tumultuous events of 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's promise of stability and competence has been overshadowed by internal party conflicts. The Guardian emphasizes the importance of continued journalism and appeals for support to maintain its mission of pursuing the truth globally. Contributions from as little as $2 per month can help keep news accessible to everyone, without paywalls. Jaishankar Warns China: Normal Relations Hinged on Border Resolution
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