PM thrown lifeline

Unconvinced rebels back down to avoid toppling the Government

- DAVE BURKE

RISHI Sunak last night survived a Tory rebellion as his Rwanda plan was voted through, despite his own MPs warning it is "fatally flawed".

Dozens of rebels backed down at the 11th hour as they feared that voting against the Safety of Rwanda Bill would topple the Government.

The flagship proposals were backed by 320 MPs, with 276 voting against - a majority of 44.

In a bruising Commons showdown earlier, Tories including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the legislation is not strong enough to get asylum seekers on planes to Rwanda.

To make matters worse for the Prime Minister, a poll shows most voters don't think it will stop small boat crossings.

As the Tory civil war raged on, Rwanda's president Paul Kagame said he is getting frustrated with the long delays, while also hinting he could refund UK taxpayers' money if Britain does not send any asylum seekers there.