Rwanda Immigration Bill Tested in the House of Lords
In a contentious session in the House of Lords, Rishi Sunak's flagship Rwanda immigration bill faced robust criticism from various peers, including the Archbishop of Canterbury. The bill, which aims to halt legal challenges against sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, stirred intense debate during its first reading.
Despite efforts by the Liberal Democrats to thwart the bill entirely, the House of Lords voted 206 to 84, allowing it to progress to the next stage. However, peers signaled their intention to strip key powers from the bill as it advances through the legislative process.
The government's plan has encountered strong opposition, with critics arguing that it damages the UK's reputation and national unity and adversely affects asylum seekers in need of protection. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, described the bill as "damaging" and emphasized that the UK "can do better."
Labour's Home Office spokesman, Lord Vernon Coaker, while expressing opposition to the bill, underscored the House of Lords' role in scrutinizing and amending legislation rather than outright blocking it.
Key votes on the legislation are expected in the coming month, with peers likely to propose amendments. However, any changes made by the House of Lords may face resistance in the House of Commons.
The government's objective is to initiate flights to Rwanda by the spring, with the bill forming part of a broader strategy to address illegal migration. Despite criticism, some members, including Conservative Lord Hannan and former Brexit negotiator Lord David Frost, defended the bill as an imperfect yet necessary deterrent against illegal migration.
However, prominent figures such as Labour's former home secretary, Lord David Blunkett, and former Conservative Chancellor, Lord Ken Clarke, criticized the bill as "shoddy" and potentially endangering the UK's constitution. Lord Clarke argued that declaring Rwanda a safe country contradicts previous Supreme Court rulings.
The debate also highlighted divisions within the Conservative party, with two deputy chairmen resigning to support rebel amendments during voting in the Commons. The bill's passage through the Commons was marked by internal party strife, with over 60 Conservative MPs backing rebel amendments.
As the Rwanda immigration bill progresses through the House of Lords, its fate remains uncertain, and the ongoing debate reflects the complexity and controversy surrounding the government's approach to handling asylum seekers.
