The UK's House of Lords has once again blocked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's controversial Rwanda deportation plan, marking a significant setback for the government. The Lords voted in favor of amendments to exempt Afghan interpreters and other allies who served alongside British forces from deportation to Rwanda. This decision has led to a parliamentary 'ping-pong' where the bill is sent back and forth between the Houses of Parliament. The government, facing opposition, is considering using RAF Voyager aircraft, leased from AirTanker, for deportations after commercial airlines declined participation due to reputational concerns. The ongoing debate and modifications to the bill, including four changes, highlight the contentious nature of the policy, which aims to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda as a deterrent against illegal immigration.
Rishi Sunak must blame himself - not peers - for the delay in the Rwanda planes taking off - analysis by @christopherhope https://t.co/YWnpChuGYX
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Is the government going to try to use the MoD and RAF on Rwanda flights - or are they finding a commercial supplier of some kind? It must be pretty contentious within RAF/MoD re capacity, cost, defence rationale, even reputation?
🔴 No10 fails to confirm pledge to start Rwanda flights this spring https://t.co/9QaFoQyAlg
Labour have voted against the Rwanda Scheme over 100 times, yet they don’t even have their own plan to stop the boats. Starmer is shooting down the solution that will tackle the trade in people, human trafficking, and criminal gangs bringing people across the Channel. https://t.co/S5m9QwD8vC
Lords holding firm on Rwanda Bill dampens No.10 hopes of spring deportations https://t.co/7AYp6wcUzL
UK's Rwanda asylum plan to be debated on April 22 https://t.co/MCFocJYC0h https://t.co/EDyETFxmcj
‘I do not understand why he makes himself a hostage to fortune.’ Political Editor of HuffPost UK, Kevin Schofield, reflects on Sunak's tactics to combat the migrant crisis, following the House of Lords voting to block the Rwanda Bill. https://t.co/BEmYteQ4NW
‘Eventually, one way or another, the Government will almost certainly win this.’ GB News Political Correspondent, @OliviaUtley, addresses Peers in the House of Lords voting to block the Rwanda Bill. https://t.co/tGhrgFEdrx
NEW: No 10 refuses four times to recommit to Rishi Sunak's spring deadline to get deportation flights off ground to Rwanda. PM's spox says timetable was initially set out in Nov but bill "has continued to be delayed” by Lords. “We’re working at pace to ensure these flights…
Rishi Sunak has been forced to ditch plans to get the first flights to Rwanda off the ground by the end of spring, Downing Street has admitted @RichardVaughan1 reports https://t.co/x6dL5tcPkN
New @theipaper Sunak ditches promise to get Rwanda flights off the ground by the end of spring after repeated delays in the Lords https://t.co/3HyxbhUN89
The #HouseOfLords voted on Commons changes to the #RwandaBill yesterday. They asked government to think again on exemptions for UK allies overseas and deeming Rwanda a safe country. The bill returns to @HouseofCommons when MPs will vote on Lords changes. ➡️ More at link in bio https://t.co/kN3Jag4sl2
BREAKING Downing Street is refusing to say that the Rwanda flights will take off by the end of spring, for the first time, in the wake of the blow to the plans in the House of Lords last night Number 10 says it is now the intention to get the Safety of Rwanda Bill passed through…
🔴 Shapps refuses to rule out using RAF planes for Rwanda flights https://t.co/9jd6SkEoDn
Reform UK spokesperson and former MEP Rupert Lowe blasts the Lords for voting against the Rwanda plan. "The House of Lords is in danger of signing its own death warrant if it isn't careful." @JuliaHB1 | @RupertLowe10 https://t.co/x1UrNUVQrJ
⚠️ UK'S RWANDA ASYLUM PLAN TO BE DEBATED ON APRIL 22 Full Story → https://t.co/JLFlcvBL4D Britain's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda will be debated on April 22 in the House of Commons, the government said on Thursday, setting the date for the latest stage in a…
In the business statement, @CommonsLeader confirmed that the Rwanda bill will be back in the Commons next Monday, and potentially on Tuesday if required.
Shapps refuses to rule out using RAF planes for Rwanda flights https://t.co/fAi3uEQKhx
‘People who have supported our soldiers in battle should be excluded from this particular scheme.’ Conservative Peer, Lord Marland, shares his thoughts on the possible exemptions that could be made for Afghan interpreters in the Rwanda bill. https://t.co/uMxwhAve5w
Rishi Sunak's bid to deport Channel migrants to Rwanda is delayed by a week after the Lords defied elected MPs yet again. What's your reaction? 📞0344 499 1000 @JuliaHB1 https://t.co/bVvVFcACp1
Grant Shapps does not rule out RAF planes being used for deportation flights to Rwanda – UK politics live https://t.co/m88MIF2WVL
RAF ready to fly 'small boats' migrants to Rwanda, signals Defence Secretary Grant Shapps https://t.co/eYVQZsD9VB
RAF ready to fly 'small boats' migrants to Rwanda, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps https://t.co/r8zXfSIhfB
Ministers have come under fire for failing to “run votes through the night” as peers blocked Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Bill for a fourth time on Wednesday, threatening further delays to the first deportation flights. https://t.co/jzxtQuQwcP https://t.co/Xbjg8axeIE
Grant Shapps suggests it's possible removals to Rwanda won't happen before the PM's promised spring deadline. Defence sec tells Times Radio he hopes they will but criticises Lords blocking and adds: "It's directly at Keir Starmer's door if they don't go."
Grant Shapps suggests it's possible removals to Rwanda won't happen before the PM's promised spring deadline. Defence sec tells Times Radio he hopes they will but: "It's directly at Keir Starmer's door if they don't go."
'Will the RAF take people to Rwanda?' - @KayBurley 'We will do whatever we need to do,' says Defence Secretary @grantshapps. https://t.co/tr4GXUVQms 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/03WXZJr01D
Rishi Sunak has suffered another setback over his Rwanda bill after the House of Lords voted for further changes to his plan to send some asylum seekers to the African country. https://t.co/59I0DyMLaW
Rishi Sunak’s goal of getting Rwanda deportation flights off the ground this spring looks all but dead after the government failed to overcome parliamentary deadlock over his Rwanda bill ⬇️ https://t.co/cKdN59EYPW
Home Secretary James Cleverly accused Labour of a “politically cynical” effort to scupper the Rwanda scheme as peers dealt another blow to the asylum plan ✍: @DavidHughesPA https://t.co/eqwAzZC7M0
Rwanda plan blame game begins over latest delays - with plenty more showdowns to come for Rishi Sunak Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/fhz5pH07st
ANALYSIS: Thwarted again, the PM will get his Rwanda bill through. Tonight the blame game begins over latest delay. But this just to start of even more showdowns over a plan announced two years ago and still not airborne https://t.co/wvtlXN672z
To be fair, they voted to stop Afghan interpreters being deported, and for an independent committee to determine whether Rwanda is safe. https://t.co/OXUPRSjmpj
'People want the boats stopped and it's the Labour party in the House of Lords that have frustrated this in excess of 100 times!' Conservative MP, Greg Smith, reacts to yet another defeat for the Rwanda Bill in the House of Lords. 📺 Freeview 236, Sky 512, Virgin 604 https://t.co/9szuhgtUyT
Rwanda Bill in process for 4 months now Any evidence either that ... * the govt has successfully weaponised opposition/amendments or delays to strengthen its reputation with target voters on this issue? Or * delays (not delivering) are further eroding govt on this issue?
UK's Rwanda asylum scheme hits fresh parliamentary hurdle https://t.co/OZnkMsbD2C https://t.co/geCxjQdbpU
WATCH: it’s still not thru, Frustration in govt, while some Tories frustrated too that No 10 hasn’t forced Rwanda bill thru this week. All the while clock ticking down on promise to get flights off in Spring - a pledge on which PM’s staked it all By @meg_matt1998 & @tom_sueyek https://t.co/XsOrnB6q4O
Today's Rwanda Bill setback raises serious questions about the role of the House of Lords, says Jacob Rees-Mogg https://t.co/ZnbYIshJ6I
Once again Labour Lords have voted against our plan to stop the boats. Keir and co are terrified Rwanda will work, and they’ll use any excuse to stop it. Over 100 votes, they’re constantly against the British people’s right to control immigration.
Peers have maintained the parliamentary deadlock over Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation plan in pressing their demands for changes to the controversial scheme ✍: @nickolester & @Abbie_Llewelyn https://t.co/iZcpkwBJTL
The House of Lords snubbed ministerial calls to back down and maintained their stance on tweaking the Rwanda bill in a vote on Wednesday evening. https://t.co/wwY5IcWaO5
Once again Labour Lords have voted against our plan to stop the boats. Keir and co are terrified Rwanda will work, and they’ll use any excuse to stop it. Over 100 votes, they constantly against the British people’s right to control immigration.
Passions run high as Lords change Rwanda bill again https://t.co/AQrOr4m92h
Rishi Sunak suffers fresh defeats over Rwanda plan as peers refuse to back down on exempting Afghan interpreters https://t.co/tv2rDxnnkN
Surely no realistic chance of flights to Rwanda in "the Spring" (May or June) though government hopes to finally get the bill next week, having thought it would be this week, having thought it would get it through in March. Kagame will have to wait for his next £50 million too https://t.co/HU9kUPZeDn
Rwanda Bill: Defiant Lords back Afghan heroes and refuse to pass Sunak’s plan to deport asylum seekers https://t.co/Bg0P7dL81E
NEW: Peers back Labour peer Lord Browne's amendment to the Rwanda Bill stating that those who have served the British Army - such as Afghan interpreters - should be exempt from deportation, by 247-195. Second defeat of the night for the government.
NEW: Peers have backed an amendment calling for an independent monitoring committee that has to declare Rwanda a safe county The Bill will bounce back to the Commons on Mon - so another delay
#RwandaBill ping pong latest: victory for Lord Hope’s monitoring amendment by 245-208: majority of 37 as against yesterday’s 39. Normally margins reduce as the Bill proceeds: this is a big one.
NEW: House of Lords passes amendment that the independent monitoring committee has to declare Rwanda a safe county. With that the bill back to the HoC for the fifth time….bounces Rwanda bill into Monday
Tour de force in the House of Lords just now by Labour peer Lord Coaker on the Rwanda Bill. Says it is "morally bankrupt" of the government not to prevent Afghan interpreters from facing deportation.
"The parliamentary ping pong continues." After MPs rejected all four Lords amendments to the government's flagship Rwanda bill, @SophyRidgeSky says we are now "stuck in this endless loop". #PoliticsHub https://t.co/GlTNastFii 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/9lCWAuoXVg
The #RwandaBill is inhumane, unworkable, and breaks with international law. Refugees deserved to be treated with dignity and compassion, not scapegoated for this government's own failings. I've been proud to vote against it at every stage. It should be consigned to the dustbin. https://t.co/EdWYfOU5h9
‘Labour peers are trying to overturn two amendments and send it back to the Commons again... that would mean the idea that this could be law by tomorrow (which is what the Whips had been been targeting for months now) is for the birds’ @christopherhope on the Rwanda bill. https://t.co/9OJCUeydF5
'The House of Lords, it strikes me, is basically helping the people smugglers!' Quentin Letts supports calls for the House of Lords to be abolished over its pushback to the Conservative Party's Rwanda Bill. 🔓 Become a GB News Member: https://t.co/mNsRsGC8ef https://t.co/W0exClOscs
MPs overturn changes to Sunak’s Rwanda bill https://t.co/iEbnUON9pO
These are the motions to be debated this evening as the Rwanda bill returns to the Lords https://t.co/aGIHwvPy4X Lords pushing on three issues, with new amendments on the independent committee, individual claims, and exemption for Afghans and other allies.
'The Commons rejected moderate, sensible amendments.' Labour peer, Baroness Smith says the government is "taking a ludicrous position" by rejecting all the Lords' amendments to the Rwanda Bill. https://t.co/CQ1pGslWm4 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/gvt4kLIIp8
🚨Stuart Rose - Conservative peer & Asda Chair - tells me: "If this was a government judged like a chief executive of a corporation might have been judged, he or she wouldn't have lasted 14 years - the shareholders would have said on your bike" Full interview 7pm #PoliticsHub
Q&A: What happens next with Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill? https://t.co/fIajonJxnD
📢 On #PoliticsHub with @SophyRidgeSky 🔴 Director of Labour Together @joshsimonstweet 🔴 Tory MP for Gillingham and Rainham @Rehman_Chishti 🔴 Asda boss and Conservative peer Lord Stuart Rose ⏰ 7pm 📱 https://t.co/ZsJh8HEea5 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233
The government is "working on operationalising" Rwanda flights, a minister has said - amid reports RAF planes could be used for the controversial deportation scheme Read more🔗 https://t.co/wPa27QK7Xw
Update: Now looks like Lab to whip on two amendments in HoL tonite. Lab source tells me if votes go thru, Rwanda Bill won't get back to HoC until Monday (this fourth time bill in Lords). Govt figure: "We wanted to get it done today, but it shows Lab for their true colours." https://t.co/Bo3venfXuP
A flight to Rwanda in June seems much more unlikely than likely: legal and logistical hurdles in the UK if and when this bill goes through. Rwanda's rather predictable election campaign is another source of potential delay. https://t.co/gaxIen2xhe
This week, multiple amendments to the Rwanda Bill were debated and voted on. I voted to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that unaccompanied children or modern slavery victims cannot be deported to Rwanda. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the Tories.
The government’s Rwanda Bill branded a "turd which cannot be polished" by opposition MPs after Number 10 refused to consider any concessions to its migrant deportation policy https://t.co/WSb85SiJVO
“They have apparently sent letters out to people to send on the first flights.” As the Rwanda Bill creeps closer to passing, vital questions remain, such as whether the gov’t have an airline ready and willing to take people... 👉 https://t.co/SdyBDl7Yow @jonsopel | @NatashaC https://t.co/pPUUzOta1m
Tory MPs just voted to insist that Afghan interpreters who served British armed forces can be sent to Rwanda. A scheme which costs £2m per asylum seeker. A £500m+ scheme for less than 1% of asylum seekers. Which now includes those who worked with our troops Shameful & shambolic https://t.co/yhoTS1BwpR
BREAKING: On @GBNEWS now: latest on the Rwanda Bill - as the government gets a crucial step nearer to making its bill law
Govt now increasingly resigned to fact that peers will send back two amendments to MPs. Small chance it'll be done in time for Commons to vote *again* tonight. But much more likely it'll roll into Monday. https://t.co/QEgGEwWnvR
If peers are successful in seeking to put amendments back into the Rwanda bill tonight it is unlikely to come back to the Commons this evening, more likely Monday according to sources on all sides - partly because MPs had been told tomorrow is a 1-line whip.
'We've got a rolling story with the Rwanda legislation... is this going to be the night when Rishi Sunak finally gets that legislation through parliament?' Watch #PoliticsHub with @SophyRidgeSky from 7pm. 📱 https://t.co/ZsJh8HEea5 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YT https://t.co/UXDkDfon0G
The U.K. government hopes to pass a bill this week, two years after the plan was first unveiled, in an effort to override a ruling by Britain’s highest court that Rwanda is not safe for refugees. https://t.co/jTufiYLGPY
‘With the £5 billion cost of putting people up in hotels here, I think the government are working out that the Rwanda policy, net, is better’ MPs are debating the bill again today, following yet another defeat by the House of Lords last night. @christopherhope https://t.co/HmOaYbLbaF
NEW Kevin Saunders, former Chief Immigration Office at Border Force, says the first migrants' flights will take off for Rwanda in June if the Safety of Rwanda Bill becomes law tomorrow, as the Government hopes. More at @GBNEWS now.
Ministers rule out concessions on Rwanda deportation bill https://t.co/AVk1OpYaMo
The Rwanda bill is back in Parliament this week. But if it passes, will flights actually take off before the election? And will it actually deter people from crossing the Channel? Hear Jack and Sam's (@Jack_Blanchard_ @SamCoatesSky) analysis on #PJAS 👇🏽 https://t.co/QTOO6vplY5
MPs now debating the 4 Lords amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill. They'll be overturned and the bill will return to the Lords tonight. Big question is whether the government will make concessions on Afghan interpreters. There's some talk it could drag into next week ...
Rwanda flights may soon be up and running. Let's assess what they will achieve - @NigelNelson https://t.co/EDUd3uBhe6
MPs are now considering the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill: Consideration of Lords message. 📚Find out more about the aims of the Bill: https://t.co/1cMqN5E4J9 🔍 Track the Bill's progress: https://t.co/zZyHaVw1V0 https://t.co/Jm8aeOkdlR
No concessions, says Downing Street, as MPs and peers gear up for another round of ping-pong on Rwanda (via @PA) https://t.co/DZLI0fbien
How the UK works..... Now: Govt insists it is doing all it can to rescue Afghans who helped the UK post-invasion who are stuck in Pakistan Later: Govt will force through Bill that means Afghans who helped the UK post-invasion will.....be deported to Rwanda
Latest - PM spokesman confirms no concessions on #Rwanda amendments - Labour confirm they will try and amend again in Lords - over to their Lordships
Some fears that Rwanda might not get through the Lords this evening after all. That could push ping-pong into next week if govt can’t get MPs into Westminster tomorrow…
Rishi Sunak considering concessions on Rwanda deportation bill to allow exemptions for Afghans who served alongside UK forces, sources tell @syalrajeev Labour a/ment in Lords secured biggest majority - of 57 - with peers backing it by 275 votes to 218, in last night’s votes.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott refuses to tell @harry_horton whether the government has an airline that will operate deportation flights to Rwanda if the Bill passes in the Commons this week Numerous airlines reportedly ruled themselves out amid reputational concern https://t.co/jJvdC9ppTi
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Laura Trott, refuses to say whether the government has an airline that will operate deportation flights to Rwanda if the Bill passes in the Commons this week Numerous airlines have reportedly ruled themselves out amid reputational concerns https://t.co/jCPimd1IRv
Government 'operationalising' Rwanda flights amid reports RAF Voyagers could be used Read more🔗 https://t.co/icDNvxhp4C
Sunak considering exemptions to Rwanda bill for some Afghans https://t.co/h9YicmwJHd
Moment of truth looms on Rwanda Bill: MPs bid to force crucial Channel boats legislation through TONIGHT despite House of Lords resistance https://t.co/rtjkvt4mii https://t.co/7s0PaPJ0Qt
Rwanda deportation flights will take off this spring, a minister insists as MPs and peers fight over amendments to the controversial legislation https://t.co/oFQT1SLca2
#HouseOfLords members voted on Commons changes to the #RwandaBill yesterday. They asked government to think again on exemptions for UK allies overseas, having regard for international and domestic law, deeming Rwanda a safe country and an appeals process for individual claims. https://t.co/18DZZ0W9VS
Labour waiting to see if any movement from government on two amendments on #Rwanda legislation
Sunak faces final showdown with Lords over Rwanda bill – UK politics live https://t.co/eIxGA3KpRl
ANALYSIS: It’s been 2 years since Johnson announced Rwanda plan. Today could be big moment for Sunak who promised to get planes away. A win in Parly will be a moment to savour after the ceaseless criticism PM’s faced & something to sell to the electorate https://t.co/Vur83A2m4D
🔵 Peers have blocked Rishi Sunak’s flagship Rwanda deportation scheme for a third time, piling pressure on ministers to offer a concession https://t.co/sTeOd9YweE
“This is about using the levers we legitimately have in the House of Lords.” Lord Anderson is among House of Lords members who want to change the Rwanda Bill in a way that forces the government either to accept the change or 'abandon' it for the time being. #R4Today
Rumours that the government is preparing to make a concession on whether Afghan interpreters should be exempt from deportation - one of the key Lords amendments to the Rwanda Bill.
Commons will vote again today on whether to send Afghans who served alongside British armed forces to Rwanda. People who put their lives at risk helping UK & who UK Govt promised to help in return. Truly, truly shameful that Tory MPs are insisting they go. Govt must rethink https://t.co/vQohe9iCDl
Treasury minister Laura Trott on whether Rishi Sunak will achieve his aim of getting deportation flights off to Rwanda by the spring: "There are lots of definitions of spring."
Ministers will now have to decide whether to offer any concessions, particularly on a demand by peers for Afghans who worked with the UK military or Government overseas to be exempted from removal to Rwanda. https://t.co/03KK1daXOo
Peers have blocked Rishi Sunak’s flagship Rwanda deportation scheme for a third time, piling pressure on ministers to offer a concession. @JamesCleverly @VotePursglove @Michael4MDNP https://t.co/QjPKuT19A9 https://t.co/1hWz8HCkP8
The parliamentary “ping-pong” over Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda scheme will continue on Wednesday after peers gave the controversial policy a fresh beating ✍: @sophie_wing8 https://t.co/c31HOkMZj2
🚨 NEW: Rishi Sunak will now use leased RAF Voyagers to fly migrants to Rwanda after airlines refused to take part RAF personnel or AirTanker staff will be used to man the flights "whether they like it or not" [@thetimes] https://t.co/lumNi7udwq
Excl: Rishi Sunak is planning to deploy RAF Voyager aircraft to deport migrants to Rwanda. There are plans to activate a clause in an MoD contract with AirTanker, an aviation services provider that leases a fleet of 14 Airbus A330 aircraft to the RAF: https://t.co/0f7SjKybTT
Still waiting to see which company will operate flights to Rwanda with so many ruling themselves out. One that I’ve been told are considering it is AirTanker who would call themselves an aviation services provider (rather than airline). They provide RAF with jets
PM's Rwanda plan defeated in Lords again - forcing MPs to consider four changes https://t.co/dM2ws6tYHS
UK parliament's upper house delays Sunak's Rwanda scheme again https://t.co/wYBgMXcVvk https://t.co/jWITfpY9Zr
Four more @UKHouseofLords defeats for the government tonight on #RwandaBill, by margins of 17 to 57 votes. This speech by Lord Hope, ex-Deputy President of @UKSupremeCourt, well expresses the idiocy of what we are being asked to do https://t.co/gluIKafqwX. /1 https://t.co/HXGRfo51te
It beggars belief that the Prime Minister could send Afghans who served alongside British troops to Rwanda. Today the Lords have voted yet again to try to stop this from happening. Tonight @LukePollard and I have written to Ministers urging them to do the right thing. https://t.co/nF3Z3qwKvf
The Lords have just voted again for an amendment to the Rwanda Bill to stop Afghans who served with UK troops being deported to Rwanda. Tonight @SKinnock and I have written to Ministers asking them to do the right thing and accept this amendment. https://t.co/CeiovnPZ2w