Chancellor Rishi Sunak has taken decisive action by launching a charm offensive on Tory MPs who are preparing to criticize his plan for Rwanda. According to reports, a group of legal experts, known as the "Star Chamber," convened by right-wing MPs, is expected to deliver a scathing verdict on the emergency legislation. Insiders have highlighted concerns about the ability of migrants to file individual claims, which could potentially clog up the courts. With the first vote scheduled for next Tuesday, allies of the Prime Minister are reaching out to skeptical backbenchers to garner support.

Rebels in the Spotlight

In an effort to rally support, Rishi Sunak has personally contacted rebel MPs over the weekend. He is reportedly optimistic that his Rwanda Bill will pass its first Commons test, which focuses on the legislation's principle. The Prime Minister's team has been encouraged by a recent op-ed written by two right-wing MPs, James Daly and Philip Davies, in which they call on their colleagues to support the bill. However, a Tory civil war has erupted following the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, who criticized the bill for being too weak to successfully implement the Rwanda plan.

The Role of the Star Chamber

Many MPs are eagerly awaiting the assessment from the Star Chamber, chaired by Tory grandee Sir Bill Cash, which is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming days. The legal panel's evaluation will carry significant weight and may influence the decision of wavering backbenchers. A member of the Tory right stated, "Things are going to get very nasty if No10 tries to bully us on this. Remember we cut our teeth during the Brexit wars." Meanwhile, Michael Tomlinson and Tom Pursglove, newly appointed immigration ministers, are reaching out to their former colleagues on the Conservative right to secure their support.

Debate over Amendments

There have been suggestions that the bill could be amended before the final Commons vote after Christmas. Conservative MP Tom Pursglove proposed potential changes, but government sources downplayed the idea, expressing concerns that going either harder or softer on the legislation could have negative consequences. The One Nation caucus of Tory centrists is also expected to review the bill, raising fears that they may seek to water it down.

Controversial Funding to Rwanda

Meanwhile, the government has faced criticism for providing an additional £150 million in funding to Rwanda, despite no migrants being removed. However, ministers have defended the decision, arguing that the amount is relatively small compared to the expenses incurred from housing migrants in hotels. The total bill for funding Rwanda, including the initial deal last year, now stands at £290 million. In response to concerns, Tom Pursglove emphasized the need for a sustainable solution, pointing out the £8 million currently spent daily on the asylum system.