The future of Rishi Sunak's Rwanda plan hangs in the balance as right-wing Tories criticize it as an "incomplete solution" just hours before a crucial vote.

Conservative caucuses demand a stronger Bill

A group of lawyers representing hardline MPs, known as the "Star Chamber," has deemed the legislation insufficient in preventing future removals from being challenged in court. This assessment has prompted five Conservative caucuses, situated on the right side of the party, to call for a tougher Bill before the first showdown in the Commons.

Downing Street has expressed concern that any amendments to strengthen the Bill might lead to Rwanda withdrawing from the removal scheme, jeopardizing the entire plan.

Make-or-break 24 hours for Mr. Sunak

This development presents a critical 24-hour period for Rishi Sunak, who has staked his premiership on salvaging the policy and ensuring its implementation.

The Star Chamber, comprised of the European Research Group, the Common Sense Group, the New Conservatives, the Northern Research Group, and the Conservative Growth Group, delivered their verdict during a meeting of like-minded Tory factions. Collectively referred to as the "Five Families," they have sufficient membership to potentially defeat Mr. Sunak's Rwanda Bill during tomorrow night's Commons vote.

The last time the government was defeated at the second reading of a Bill was in 1986, and a repeat occurrence would spark a crisis for the Prime Minister.

Verdict from the Star Chamber

Following the meeting, Mark Francois, chair of the ERG, stated, "In summary, the Bill provides a partial and incomplete solution to the problem of legal challenges in the UK courts being used as stratagems to delay and defeat the removal of illegal migrants to Rwanda."

Danny Kruger, leader of the New Conservatives, added, "The decision for all of us is whether there’s the possibility of improving the Bill so it does meet the expectations we all have."

A further meeting is scheduled for 6 pm, during which right-wing Tories will hear from former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, who resigned over the perceived weakness of the plan.

Mr. Sunak's challenge

Mr. Sunak faces the task of preventing 29 MPs from rebelling or 53 from abstaining, as either outcome would effectively torpedo the Rwanda plan.

The resignation of Mr. Jenrick sparked a Tory civil war, with critics arguing that the legislation should be strengthened. While the Bill does disapply certain elements of the Human Rights Act, it does not completely overturn it, which has been a point of contention for MPs like Suella Braverman.

The Star Chamber insists that "very significant amendments" are necessary to align the legislation with its intended policy goals.