Rival Tory tribes threaten Sunak authority over Rwanda scheme

Prime minister beset by growing rebellion ahead of tomorrow’s vote

Rishi Sunak is facing the biggest week of his premiership, with his authority in the hands of two warring Tory tribes vying to set out their battle lines on his crucial Rwanda bill.

The prime minister is beset by rebellion on the right and left of his party. Up to 100 MPs on each side are due to meet this afternoon to debate how to vote on the legislation. To avoid defeat at tomorrow’s parliamentary vote, Sunak will need to keep the rebellion below 56 abstentions or 28 votes against.

Allies spent the weekend pleading with groups on the party’s left and right, hoping to stave off a rebellion that could sink legislation Sunak claims will stop most court challenges to deporting migrants to Rwanda.

David Cameron, the foreign secretary, has been among those spending the past few days urgently trying to persuade Tory MPs to back the plan at the second reading.

Today’s drama will unfold as Sunak faces a grueling day giving evidence to the Covid inquiry. He will be questioned on issues such as the “eat out to help out” scheme, which has been blamed for spreading the virus in 2020.

While Sunak speaks, up to 100 backbench MPs on the right of the party are due to gather from noon to discuss the bill. Robert Jenrick, a former close ally who resigned as immigration minister last week, is among those who say they cannot support the legislation as it stands to discuss the bill. Robert Jenrick, a former close ally who resigned as immigration minister last week, is among those who say they cannot support the legislation as it stands.