Rishi Sunak survived a damaging row over his high-profi le Rwanda bill last night after a Tory rebellion melted away as dozens of right-wing MPs balked at further undermining the prime minister's authority. After a crucial 11th-hour meeting of more than 45 Tory rebels, the group's leaders concluded that defeating the bill by voting alongside Labour during an election year could risk collapsing the government.
Just 11 Conservative hardliners, including the former home secretary Suella Braverman and the former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, voted against the legislation, which passed by 320 votes to 276 - a majority of 44.
There was relief in Downing Street to Rwanda, with government lawyers suggesting there is only a "50/50" chance of the first flight taking off before an autumn general election.
The Guardian understands that the Home Office has already selected the first 100 people to deport.
Officials said the cases had been selected because there were no obvious grounds for appeal.
Despite his gamble to face down the right of his party paying off, Sunak has been weakened by the row with two Conservative party deputy chairs, Lee Anderson and Brendan to Rwanda, with government lawyers suggesting there is only a "50/50" chance of the first flight taking off before an autumn general election.
The Guardian understands that the Home Office has already selected the first 100 people to deport.
Officials said the cases had been selected because there were no obvious grounds for appeal.
This story is from the January 18, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the January 18, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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