The government is not planning to make further concessions to the Lords on the Rwanda bill, as indicated by No 10. MPs are set to vote on the latest Lords amendments to the safety of Rwanda (asylum and immigration) bill tonight, with the government expected to remove six of them. The bill has been the subject of a “ping pong” process between the Commons and the Lords, with disagreements over various amendments.
The government has made it clear that they believe the bill, as it stands, is the right one to get deportation flights to Rwanda off the ground. Despite pressure from peers, the government does not seem inclined to offer more concessions. The PM’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of passing the bill to save lives and combat people-smuggling gangs.
After tonight’s vote, the bill will return to the Lords, where it is expected that peers will once again vote against the government amendments. However, the “ping pong” process is likely to end on Wednesday, with peers ultimately accepting the will of the elected chamber.
In related news, Rishi Sunak is set to make a statement on Iran and Israel this afternoon, while the Health Secretary will address the Cass review into gender identity support for young people. Stay tuned for updates on these important developments.