PM Urges Right Wing MPs to Back Plan or Risk Government Meltdown

Rishi Sunak, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, held important discussions with Tory rebels this morning in preparation for a make-or-break vote on his Rwanda deal. The Prime Minister is urging right-wing MPs to support his plan in the Commons tonight to avoid a potential breakdown at the heart of the government.

During breakfast at 10 Downing Street, Sunak assured hardliners that his emergency Rwanda Bill would successfully enable flights to resume. This comes after the legislation faced opposition from right-wing Tories who deemed it to be an insufficient solution. A group of lawyers representing these MPs, known as the "Star Chamber," argued that the bill did not fully address the issue of preventing future removals from being blocked in courts.

Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, in his first major intervention since resigning, appealed to his colleagues to support the bill rather than risk damaging the government. Downing Street also published legal advice to counter criticisms, emphasizing that breaking international law would be contrary to the UK's constitutional principles.

Illegal Migration Minister Insists on Listening Mode

Michael Tomlinson, the new Illegal migration minister, expressed his willingness to listen to critics of the Rwanda Bill. He emphasized that their concerns should not be dismissed and that the focus should be on ensuring the legislation's effectiveness. Tomlinson acknowledged the desire of his colleagues to see the bill succeed and pledged to work towards that goal.

He stated, "We all want this legislation to work. And that is what I'm determined to do."

"Five Families" Demand Tougher Bill

Five conservative caucuses on the right of the party, known as the "Five Families," have demanded that the PM strengthen the Rwanda Bill before the first Commons showdown. These factions, including the European Research Group and the Common Sense Group, have enough members to potentially defeat the bill during its "second reading" in the Commons tonight. Sunak must prevent 29 MPs from rebelling or 53 abstaining to ensure the plan's success.

A defeat at the second reading, where MPs vote on the principle of the proposals, would be the first since 1986 and could trigger a crisis for the Prime Minister.