Rwanda showdown ENDS as 10 changes made to Rishi’s flagship plan are overturned by MPs
TEN changes made to the government's flagship Rwanda deportation plan by Peers were rejected by MPs last night.
The amendments attempting to "wreck" the legislation were overturned as Rishi Sunak maintained hopes of sending migrants there this Spring.
The legislation will now return to the second chamber tomorrow where Peers will decide whether to make any more changes.
Peers' attempts to ensure the bill complies with domestic and international law and a requirement for safeguards to be put in place to declare Rwanda safe were among those turned down.
Home Office minister Michael Tomlinson said Rwanda has a "long and proud history" of integrating asylum seekers and refugees.
He said the government had "published evidence" in support of Rwanda being a safe country.
He told the Commons: "They are wrecking amendments."
MPs voted 312 to 255, majority 57, to reject Lords amendment 10.
The amendment sought to exempt people from removal to Rwanda if they put themselves in harm's way by working with the UK armed forces or UK Government overseas from removal to Rwanda.
Labour MP Clive Lewis apologised to fellow MPs and Commons staff for an "outburst" following a message that caused him consternation.
It came after reports of an MP swearing at a doorkeeper during voting.
Meanwhile, flying six people to the edge of space is cheaper than Ministers sending an asylum seeker to Rwanda, a Labour MP says.
The stalled deportation scheme was mocked in the Commons as the flagship legislation was debated ahead of crunch votes.
Labour MP Neil Coyle said: “Is the minister aware that Virgin Galactic can send six people into space for less than this Government wants to spend sending one person to Rwanda?
“Is it not time to rethink this absurd policy and extortionate cost?”
The National Audit Office last week said the scheme could cost taxpayers nearly £2 million each for the first 300 asylum seekers sent to Africa.
Rides with Virgin Galactic cost around £356,000 per person.
More to follow.