PM thrown lifeline

Unconvinced rebels back down to avoid toppling the Government

- DAVE BURKE

RISHI Sunak last night survived a humiliating Tory rebellion as his Rwanda plan scraped 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 flagship Safety of Rwanda Bill would topple the Government.

In a bruising Commons showdown, Conservative MPs including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the legislation would not work.

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 planes holding asylum seekers never take off.

Kagame said there are "limits for how long this can drag on." He added: "The money is going to be used on those people who will come. If they don't come we can return the money.

So far the UK has given £240million to Rwanda, and in April a further £50million payment is due.