Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Watch again: MPs vote on Rwanda asylum plans amid Tory rebellion

Holly Patrick
Wednesday 17 January 2024 11:51 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Watch as MPs debated and voted on the Safety of Rwanda Bill on passed through the Commons at its third reading on Wednesday night, 17 January.

The controversial bill, which aims to assert that Rwanda is a safe country for asylum seekers to be deported to, passed by 320 votes in favour to 276 against.

It comes after Rishi Sunak faced the biggest Conservative revolt of his leadership yesterday, as some 60 Conservatives supported changes to the deportation legislation put forward by Tory veteran Sir Bill Cash.

No Conservatives had voted against the bill at its second reading, however, despite similar warnings from the right of the party.

Most of the rebels backed down in the end, with only 11 Conservative MPs voting against the bill, including former home secretary Suella Braverman and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in