Rwanda bill - latest: Hundreds of charities round on Sunak over ‘despicable assault’ on migrants

The controversial Rwanda bill raises “major issues about the human rights of asylum seekers and the rule of law”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.

The statement was issued as news emerged that five migrants, including a child, had died while attempting a crossing of the English Channel on Tuesday morning.

Rishi Sunak has maintained that the Rwanda scheme, which could see asylum seekers flown to the east African country from July, will “deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings” and break the business model of the criminal gangs organising the boats.

He said on Tuesday morning: “There are reports of sadly yet more tragic deaths in the Channel this morning. I think that is just a reminder of why our plan is so important … it underscores why you need a deterrent very simply.”

But in an earlier statement, the Council of Europe commissioner Michael O’Flaherty said he was concerned over the deportation of people to Rwanda without prior assessment of their asylum claims.

He said: “The bill prevents individuals faced with removal to Rwanda from accessing remedies for potential violations of the absolute prohibition of refoulement, while it also significantly excludes the ability of UK courts to fully and independently scrutinise the issues brought before them.”

Key points

• Rishi Sunak said the “tragic” incident “underscores” the need for the deterrent

• More than 50 migrants onboard continued journey - local official

• Five migrants die crossing English Channel hours after Rwanda deportation bill passes

• MPs reject final amendment as legislation returns to Lords

• Peers drop Afghan amendment – leaving just one final contention

Watch: Sunak confirms Rwanda flights will take off in 10 to 12 weeks

Monday 22 April 2024 14:20 , Matt Mathers

Watch: Sunak confirms Rwanda flights will take off in 10 to 12 weeks

Watch: Sunak pledges support to Mark Rowley after ‘openly jewish’ Met Police comment

Monday 22 April 2024 14:40 , Matt Mathers

Parliamentary researcher among two men charged with spying for China under Official Secrets act

Monday 22 April 2024 15:00 , Matt Mathers

A parliamentary researcher is among two British men who have been charged with spying for China after an investigation by counter-terrorism police.

Christopher Cash, 29, from Whitechapel in east London, a former researcher for Conservative Alicia Kearns, has been accused of an offence under the Official Secrets Act, the Metropolitan Police said.

Full report:

Parliamentary researcher among two UK men charged with spying for China

UN experts warn airlines over Sunak’s Rwanda scheme

Monday 22 April 2024 15:15 , Matt Mathers

United Nations experts have warned airlines involved in Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda asylum scheme they could be held responsible for any violations of international human rights rules.

Siobhan Mullally, Gehad Madi and Alice Jill Edwards, the special rapporteurs on human trafficking, migrants’ human rights and torture, warned airlines and regulators could be “complicit” in breaching the rules by facilitating removals to Rwanda.

The prime minister used a Downing Street press conference earlier to say that the government had booked commercial charter plans and had an airfield on standby for the first Rwanda flight, which would take place in 10-12 weeks.

But the UN experts said: “Even if the UK-Rwanda agreement and the Safety of Rwanda Bill are approved, airlines and aviation regulators could be complicit in violating internationally protected human rights and court orders by facilitating removals to Rwanda.”

Emily Maitlis to lead Channel 4’s general election coverage

Monday 22 April 2024 15:37 , Matt Mathers

Emily Maitlis will lead Channel 4’s coverage of the general election, the broadcaster has announced.

The News Agents journalist, formerly of the BBC, said she was “delighted” to “work with such an incredible cast of people. I cannot wait.”

She will present the election special alongside Channel 4 News presenters Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Cathy Newman and others.

Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, who present the Rest Is Politics podcast, will also appear throughout the night.

Monday 22 April 2024 15:47 , Matt Mathers

Tory MP Sir Robert Buckland, a former government minister, explained why he was backing the Afghan amendment to the Rwanda bill, Holly Bancroft reports.

Referring to members of the Afghan special forces, who fought alongside UK soldiers and who are currently having their UK relocation applications reviewed, he said: “We don’t want to end up with people, who are having their applications reviewed by the MoD, who are stuck in Pakistan, we don’t want them to end up in a position where they’re being carted off in this scheme,” he said.

“It wasn’t designed for this sort of category [of people]. Despite all the progress we’ve made on bringing Afghans to safety in the UK, we don’t want to end up with unintended consequences where people who’ve risked their lives for our safety are then put into this scheme.”

Sir Robert is also backing the other Lords’ amendment, which would make sure the monitoring committee verifies Rwanda as safe before asylum seekers are sent there. It was also make sure that the committee can tell MPs when Rwanda is no longer a safe country.

Sir Robert said neither were “wrecking amendments” but were rather about getting the detail of the bill right.

Once the Rwanda bill is passed, Sir Robert told The Independent that there will “inevitably be individual legal challenges”. However he felt that the likelihood of an intervention from the ECHR “has probably receded” due to new guidelines issued to the Strasbourg judges, which have raised the threshold for issuing injunctions.

ICYMI: Sadiq Khan pledges to make River Thames ‘swimmable’ within decade

Monday 22 April 2024 16:00 , Matt Mathers

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has pledged to make the River Thames “swimmable” within a decade as he plans to transform the capital’s waterways.

The former Labour cabinet minister branded the river a “national embarrassment” as his own analysis published this year revealed a nearly five-fold rise in the duration of sewage spills in London in 2023.

Full report:

Sadiq Khan pledges to make River Thames ‘swimmable’ within decade

Lords makes provision for late night refreshments

Monday 22 April 2024 16:15 , Matt Mathers

Catering staff in the Lords have made provision to offer refreshments into the night in the face of a late sitting over the Rwanda bill.

It comes after the prime minister said “enough is enough” and that MPs and peers would sit until the legislation, currently at the centre of a stand-off between the two houses, was passed.

Speaking in the Lords, government chief whip Baroness Williams of Trafford acknowledged the “frustration” felt by peers at the timetabling of the controversial legislation given the “less than adequate notice” and coming on the first day of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

She said: “May I thank all members in advance for their patience.”

Lady Williams also thanked catering staff “who have already made swift provision for services beyond 10pm should peers and staff need them”.

MPs debate Rwanda bill ahead of crunch votes

Monday 22 April 2024 16:30 , Matt Mathers

MPs are now debating the Rwanda bill ahead of votes in the Commons and Lords later this evening.

Rishi Sunak earlier said he would make both houses sit through the night until the legislation was passed.

You can watch the exchanges live on our YouTube channel by following the link below:

Watch live: Rwanda bill faces final parliamentary showdown in Commons

Those eligible under the Afghan relocations scheme will not be deported - minister

Monday 22 April 2024 17:18 , Matt Mathers

A Home Office minister said the government will not send those who are eligible under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) to Rwanda.

Michael Tomlinson told the Commons: “Once this review of ARAP decisions for those with credible links to Afghan specialist units has concluded, the government will not remove to Rwanda those who received a positive eligibility decision as a result of this review where they are already in the United Kingdom.”

Intervening, Labour MP Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) said a constituent of hers is not eligible for ARAP because he is a British citizen and his family are unable to join him in the UK.

She said: “If (Mr Tomlinson) takes five minutes just to read the story of my constituent who gave so much of his life to support our forces in Afghanistan, he will understand why when he stands at that despatch box and says that there are legal safe routes for those who are eminently eligible, it is simply not sustainable as an argument to make.”

Mr Tomlinson said the amendment is “unnecessary” adding: “There is already existing legislation, including but not limited to the Illegal Migration Act.”

He added: “The government will not remove to Rwanda those who receive a positive eligibility decision as a result of this review.

“This government recognises the commitment and response of an issue that comes with combat veterans, whether our own or those who have shown courage and served alongside us, we will not let them down.”

MPs reject Lords demand on monitoring committee

Monday 22 April 2024 17:45 , Matt Mathers

MPs have voted against a Lords amendment demanding that an independent monitoring committee must declare Rwanda a safe country before asylum seekers can be sent to the African country.

The amendment, one of two key demands made by the upper chamber, cleared the Commons by 306 votes to 229.

The second demand, that Afghan heroes are exempt from being deported to Rwanda, will be voted on after 6pm.

MPs reject Afghan heroes amendment

Monday 22 April 2024 17:51 , Matt Mathers

MPs have, as expected, also voted against the Lords demand to exempt Afghan heroes from being deported to Rwanda.

The Commons voted 305 to 234, a majority of 71, to reject it the change, which Labour peers have vowed not to back down on.

Downing Street has said the government will not be making any concessions.

Armenia was approached by the UK over Rwanda-style deal, officials say

Monday 22 April 2024 18:07 , Matt Mathers

Senior officials in Armenia revealed the UK did approach them about a Rwanda-style deal to house asylum seekers deported from Britain but discussions never got off the ground.

In the increasingly desperate search for countries, Rishi Sunak’s government is said to have targeted four others apart from Rwanda. Armenia, along with Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Botswana, was on a shortlist drawn up by the Foreign Office – following extensive research – for “third country asylum processing deals” and talks had taken place with the respective states, it has been reported.

Full report:

Airlines warned by Amnesty over ‘complicity’ in Rwanda scheme

Monday 22 April 2024 18:25 , Andy Gregory

Amnesty International UK has warned airlines that they should be “mindful that many members of the public – including passengers, shareholders, and other contractors – may take an “extremely negative view” of any involvement in the government’s Rwanda policy.

The organisation’s chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said: “Though the government seems not to care about trashing the UK’s reputation as a law-abiding country, airline companies ought to view this entirely misguided enterprise very differently.

“Any involvement by commercial airlines in Rwanda refugee flights may open them up to legal challenge on the grounds of complicity in the government’s human rights violations.”

UK has ‘moral duty’ to prevent Afghan heroes being sent to Rwanda

Monday 22 April 2024 18:51 , Andy Gregory

The UK has a “moral duty” to prevent those who helped its campaign in Afghanistan from being sent to Rwanda, ministers heard.

DUP MP Sammy Wilson told the Commons: “Why is it that there are people who served the armed forces in Afghanistan who find themselves in danger at present? They are on the run from the police in Pakistan, they are hiding because the police in Pakistan want to send them back to Afghanistan where they will be in danger.

“Why? Because the system has not worked for them. That is why I think it is important that this amendment is accepted. We have a moral duty, and as it has been pointed out if we are going to look to the future and recruit people in trouble spots to help the armed forces then we have got a strategic duty.

“And I believe that if the minister really wants to get this stuff through tonight he has got a political reason for doing this, because at least by accepting this amendment he takes away another leg that the other House is seeking to stand on when it comes to opposing this Bill.”

Ex-minister urges compromise on Afghan amendment

Monday 22 April 2024 19:14 , Andy Gregory

Tory former minister Sir Robert Buckland has urged the government to compromise over the amenment on Afghans who served alongside British forces.

The former justice secretary told MPs: “I do think that making that very clear on the face of the Bill would probably clear the matter up once and for all and it may well mean - not that I mind being here to the wee small hours of the morning - but it may well mean we can clear up this business once and for all.

“I am in the market for sorting this out now so this Bill can become law before it is too late this evening. That is why I would commend perhaps a little further movement on 10F by the minister.”

Lords return to debate the Rwanda bill

Monday 22 April 2024 19:29 , Holly Bancroft

Peers have returned to the House of Lords to debate amendments to the Rwanda bill.

Lord Anderson of Ipswich is arguing in favour of the amendment that would ensure that a committee assesses whether Rwanda is safe before asylum seekers are sent there.

He told the Lords: “We are in the end game now. We will this week have a law for the offshore processing of asylum seekers in Rwanda.

“We are concerned with the safety of Rwanda both in the present and in the future. This bill is honest about neither.” He explained that the bill maintains that Rwanda will always be a safe country, and there is no mechanism for it to be deemed no longer safe.

“We are asked to be complicit in a present day untruth and a future fantasy,” he added. Lord Anderson described the legislation as a “post truth bill”, saying: “It takes hopes and rebadges them as facts.”

Watch: Rwanda bill won't deter people from crossing, migrant says

Monday 22 April 2024 19:42 , Andy Gregory

‘Enough is enough’, minister tells peers

Monday 22 April 2024 20:01 , Andy Gregory

Home Office minister Michael Tomlinson has told peers “enough is enough” as he urged them to relent in making changes to the government’s Rwanda bill.

Opening the debate in the Commons, Mr Tomlinson said: “It appears that I was indeed optimistic last week when I foresaw the end of ping pong and I looked forward to the time when we were not debating this particular piece of legislation. It’s disappointing that we are back here again.

“Of course, the other place should undertake its role as a revising chamber and of course they’re entitled to ask the Government to think again. But did we think again and again?”

He added: “Enough is enough. The opposition have delayed this Bill for too long, we must get on with it.

“I urge this House once again to send an unambiguous message to the other place, the time has come for Labour lords to respect the view of this House and let this Bill now pass.”

Lord Des Browne says government have changed their position on Afghans

Monday 22 April 2024 20:08 , Holly Bancroft

Labour peer Lord Des Browne has said that the government has changed its position on his amendment to help Afghans who served alongside British forces.

The government have said that they will not deport members of certain Afghan special forces units who are found to be eligible for the Ministry of Defence’s relocation scheme.

There is currently a review of some 2000 resettlement applications from these Afghans, prompted by reporting from The Independent, Lighthouse Reports and Sky News.

The government already suggested to peers that they would do this in March, but Lord Browne believes this is a concession. Labour peer Lord Coaker has commended Lord Browne on “saving lives” by securing the concession.

Under the MoD’s Arap scheme, those found eligible are given leave to the remain in the UK. The Home Office has confirmed that they will not deport these people to Rwanda, despite the Illegal Migration Act commiting ministers to removing anyone who comes to the UK via irregular means.

Labour peer rejects suggestion those opposing current Rwanda bill ‘lack compassion’

Monday 22 April 2024 20:40 , Andy Gregory

A Labour peer rejected that idea that those opposing Rishi Sunak’s current bill “lack compassion” and said the amendment calling for an independent committee to declare Rwanda’s safe was “sensible”.

“I do object to this – and the prime minister did it again this morning – when he suggested that those of us who opposed the Rwanda bill before us lacked compassion,” said Lord Coaker. “That somehow there wasn’t anybody who wasn’t opposed to the drownings, who wasn’t opposed to some of the appalling things we see.

“Of course we’re all opposed to that, there isn’t a single individual in this chamber, in the press, in the other place who doesn’t abhor some of that which takes place.

He added: “Again the prime minister goes on and we hear other people, ‘Labour is blocking this, Labour peers are blocking this’. We haven’t got a majority in here to block anything. We have to have the support of crossbenchers, Tory peers abstaining or disappearing ... it’s about all of us who believe the bill is wrong standing together.”

He continued: “And if Lord Anderson chooses to put his amendment A1 to the vote of course we’ll support that, because it’s a sensible amendment, it doesn’t block the bill, it simply says to the goverment let the monitoring committee that you yourself have set up say to the secretary of state, who can then make a statement to parliament, saying that Rwanda is safe.

“But it also gives the government a get-out clause by saying ‘in the future, the secretary of state, presumab;y on the advice of the monitoring committee can say that Rwanda is not safe. Whereas in the bill at the moment it is compelled to, whatever happens, to believe it is safe.”

Lords vote against government sending Rwanda bill back to the Commons

Monday 22 April 2024 20:44 , Holly Bancroft

The House of Lords have voted against the government’s Rwanda bill with a majority of 31 for an amendment that would make sure the country was not declared safe until it was assessed by a monitoring committee.

Peers voted 240 in favour and 211 against the clause over the safety of Rwanda.

The bill will now return to the Commons for a second time this evening as parliamentarians dig in for a long evening.

The government have also committed to not deporting a small number of Afghan special forces who have come to the UK on small boat and have been granted leave to remain by the Ministry of Defence.

Just one final point of contention remaining after peers cave on Afghan amendment

Monday 22 April 2024 21:25 , Andy Gregory

There is only one final point of contention remaining between peers and MPs over the Rwanda Bill, after the opposition dropped its demand for the Bill to include an exemption from removal for Afghan nationals who assisted British troops – following what opponents hailed as a government concession.

It came after a Home Office minister said the government will not send those who are eligible under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) to Rwanda – and will review a small number of cases for those in the UK with credible links to Afghan specialist units.

But The Independent’s social affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft notes that the review is already taking place and will only impact a small number of people affected – calling into question whether peers have indeed secured a meaningful concession from the government.

Labour frontbencher ‘cannot understand’ why ministers won’t accept Lords amendment

Monday 22 April 2024 22:13 , Andy Gregory

MPs are once again debating the last remaining contention – over an independent committee being required to deem Rwanda a safe country.

“Many refugees are taken from Rwanda to this country – which really does beg the question as to how safe that country can be,” Labour’s shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said.

“But all the amendment seeks to do is trust but verify. It puts a mechanism in place, the kind of mechanism which is embedded in thousands and thousands of pieces of legislation that are on the statute book.

“So I simply cannot understand why the government can’t simply accept this amendment and enable the home secretary to lay a statement on whether or not Rwanda is safe or unsafe. That would provide an important safeguard.

“And of course it is not in any way a wrecking amendment, just like all of the other amendments the government has rejected – they would not prevent flights from taking off.”

MPs back in the Commons to debate Rwanda bill for second time this evening

Monday 22 April 2024 22:14 , Holly Bancroft

MPs are back in the Commons to debate the final amendment to the Rwanda bill that has been passed by the House of Lords.

Labour’s immigration minister Stephen Kinnock has told MPs that the government have offered a “concession” on the Afghan exemption for deportation flights to Rwanda. He said: “It promises that Afghans in the UK who have put forward credible claims of evidence to a connection to Afghan specialist units will not be deported to Rwanda. This has not gone as far as we would want it to, but at least the government - all be it begrudgingly - inched towards doing the right thing.”

Mr Kinnock has said the bill is a “post truth bill” and supported the last Lords amendment to make sure that Rwanda’s safety can be assessed by a monitoring committeee.

MPs vote on Lords amendment

Monday 22 April 2024 22:32 , Andy Gregory

MPs are now voting on whether to reject the Lords amendment, as the government motion proposes.

MPs vote to reject final House of Lords amendment

Monday 22 April 2024 22:40 , Andy Gregory

MPs have backed the government by 312 to 237 votes in choosing to reject the House of Lords amendments to Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda policy.

The amendment sought to ensure an independent committee could judge whether Rwanda was indeed a safe country before flights could take off, but it will now be returned for peers to debate once again.

Labour criticised after peers drop Afghan amendment

Monday 22 April 2024 22:42 , Andy Gregory

For the SNP, Alison Thewliss criticised Labour for not continuing to push a Lords amendment to include an exemption from removal for Afghan nationals who assisted British troops after critics claimed to have won a concession from the government.

Ms Thewliss said: “If they think this is some kind of concession I’ve got some magic beans to sell them.”

Tory ex-minister appears to back amendment – but questions if peers should keep pressing

Monday 22 April 2024 22:45 , Andy Gregory

During the debate on the final amendment, which has now been sent back to the Lords, Conservative former minister Sir Robert Buckland has expressed reservations about the government’s approach on how it would designate Rwanda to be a safe country.

The Tory MP added: “It does seem to me that in the absence of this amendment there would be the need for further primary legislation in future, which I don’t think is a great place for the government to end up.”

But he acknowledged there is a time when the Lords has to “cede to the authority of the elected House”, adding: “I think we are now approaching that moment.”

Commons sitting paused until message received from Lords

Monday 22 April 2024 22:51 , Andy Gregory

Tonight’s Commons sitting has been suspended pending any message from the Lords, who will now debate the final remaining amendment once again, which was just rejected by MPs.

Full report: Sunak insists Rwanda flights will be in the air by July, ‘no ifs, no buts’

Monday 22 April 2024 23:12 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak has pledged to get flights to Rwanda in the air by July, despite the threat of legal challenges and delays even if he does manage to force the controversial asylum bill through parliament overnight.

The prime minister insisted asylum seekers will be sent to the east African nation in 10 to 12 weeks “come what may” and that regular trips will take place over the summer.

But he faced an agonising final hurdle of ping-pong between MPs and the House of Lords, with the two houses of parliament potentially battling over a final amendment through the night.

You can read more in this report, written prior to peers’ decision to drop an amendment relating to Afghan veterans and MPs decision to reject the last remaining amendment, putting the ball back in peers’ court:

Sunak insists Rwanda flights will be in the air by July, ‘no ifs, no buts’

Rwanda flights to go ahead as asylum policy finally passes into law in boost for Rishi Sunak

Monday 22 April 2024 23:53 , Holly Bancroft

Parliament has finally passed Rishi Sunak’s “emergency” Rwanda bill but the controversial legislation is set to run into legal challenges that could still delay flights.

Mr Sunak has said that the first flight would take off in 10-12 weeks and regular trips will take place over the Summer “until the boats are stopped.”

His plan was finally given the green light on Monday evening after peers in the House of Lords gave up their fight with MPs over amending the legislation.

Rwanda Bill: Asylum policy finally passes into law in major boost for Rishi Sunak

Lords give up fight against Rwanda bill

Monday 22 April 2024 23:56 , Holly Bancroft

“The time has now come to acknowledge the primacy of the elected house,” Lord Anderson of Ipswich has said as he withdrew the final amendment to the Rwanda bill.

“We tried our hardest to achieve something a little more sensible,” he told fellow peers.

Rwanda Bill: Asylum policy finally passes into law in major boost for Rishi Sunak

Rwanda Bill: How did my MP vote on Sunak’s asylum legislation?

Tuesday 23 April 2024 00:01 , Holly Bancroft

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda bill will become law after a night of parliamentary ping-pong between the Commons and Lords.

You can use the tool below to find out how your MP voted on the legislation:

If your MP is listed as voting ‘aye’ they have voted for the Rwanda bill, and if they are listed as ‘no’ they will have voted against it.

Rwanda Bill: How did my MP vote on Sunak’s asylum legislation?

Sunak pledges support to Mark Rowley after ‘openly Jewish’ Met Police comment

Tuesday 23 April 2024 00:21 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak said he had confidence in Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley after a London officer described an antisemitism campaigner as “openly Jewish”, reports my colleague Holly Patrick.

Gideon Falter was threatened with arrest and told his presence was “antagonising” protesters yards away from him.

In a press conference on Monday, the prime minister pledged support for the commissioner but said he needed to rebuild “confidence and trust” with the Jewish community.

The force initially apologised for the incident, but then apologised for its apology after suggesting opponents of pro-Palestine marches “must know that their presence is provocative”. Suella Braverman has called for Sir Mark to resign.

What does Rwanda plan mean for timing of a general election?

01:42 , Andy Gregory

Some senior Tories believe the prospect of flights deporting migrants to Rwanda in July might tempt Rishi Sunak to call a summer election. They feel the Tories’ prospects might be even worse by the autumn and that the prime minister would be “boxed in” and depicted by Labour as clinging to office.

However, the delay in flights to Kigali from the original target of spring means Mr Sunak will likely delay the election until October or November.

Our political columnist Andrew Grice has more analysis in this new Politics Explained piece:

What does Rishi Sunak’s burst of activity tell us about his general election plans?

Armenia was approached by the UK over Rwanda-style deal, officials say

03:31 , Andy Gregory

Senior officials in Armenia have revealed that the UK did approach them about a Rwanda-style deal to house asylum seekers deported from Britain but discussions never got off the ground.

Our world affairs editor Kim Sengupta has more in this report:

Armenia was approached by the UK over Rwanda-style deal, officials say

How did my MP vote on Sunak’s asylum legislation?

03:52 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda bill will become law after a night of parliamentary ping-pong between the Commons and Lords.

MPs and Lords were at loggerheads on Monday night over amendments made by peers to the prime minister’s Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.

Peers finally caved with Lord Anderson of Ipswich saying: “The time has now come to acknowledge the primacy of the elected house”.

Downing Street had warned it would not make concessions over the amendments, which saw peers demand that an independent monitoring committee must declare Rwanda safe before asylum-seekers could be sent there.

Peers caved on a separate amendment that called for Afghans who served with British forces to be exempt from deportations.

Andy Gregory reports.

Rwanda Bill: How did my MP vote on Sunak’s asylum legislation?

Departures can be held up in courts, says expert

04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

British prime minister Rishi Sunak ‘s latest effort to send some migrants to Rwanda finally won approval from Parliament early Tuesday, hours after he pledged deportation flights would begin in July.

Despite parliament’s approval of the legislation, further court challenges may still delay the deportation flights, said Tim Bale, a politics professor at Queen Mary University of London.“I don’t think it is necessarily home and dry,” he told Associated Press.

“We will see some attempts to block deportations legally.”The number of migrants arriving in Britain on small boats soared to 45,774 in 2022 from just 299 four years earlier as people seeking refuge pay criminal gangs thousands of pounds to ferry them across the channel.

Last year, small boat arrivals dropped to 29,437 as the government cracked down on people smugglers and reached an agreement to return Albanians to their home country.

“I think the most important takeaway is quite how desperate the government clearly is to get this piece of legislation through on the grounds that it will enable it to at least make a down payment on its promise to stop the boats,” Mr Bale said.

Watch: Labour MP says Sunak’s government ‘scrambling’ to get Rwanda flights off the ground

05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Editorial: This flawed Rwanda plan brings shame and no gain to the government

05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The new promise of deportation flights starting in July is unlikely to win the prime minister any credit with the public. His unworkable scheme will not ‘stop the boats’ from crossing the Channel, especially in the summer months – and he will only have himself to blame.

More here.

This flawed Rwanda plan brings shame and no gain to the government

Cleverly calls passing of Rwanda bill ‘a landmark moment'

06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Home secretary James Cleverly called passage of the bill a “landmark moment in our plan to stop the boats”.

“The Act will prevent people abusing the law by using false human rights claims to block removals,” he said in a video posted on X.

Mr Cleverly continued: “It makes it clear that the UK parliament is sovereign, giving the government the power to reject interim blocking measures imposed by European courts.

“I promised to do what was necessary to clear the path for the first flight. That’s what we have done.”

“Now we’re working day in and day out to get flights off the ground.”

Sunak insists Rwanda flights will be in the air by July, ‘no ifs, no buts’

06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Rishi Sunak has pledged to get flights to Rwanda in the air by July, despite the threat of legal challenges and delays even if he does manage to force the controversial asylum bill through parliament overnight.

The prime minister insisted asylum seekers will be sent to the east African nation in 10 to 12 weeks “come what may” and that regular trips will take place over the summer.

But he faced an agonising final hurdle of ping-pong between MPs and the House of Lords, and the upper house will spend the evening trying to exact two key amendments.

Holly Bancroft and Archie Mitchell report

Sunak insists Rwanda flights will be in the air by July, ‘no ifs, no buts’

Starmer leads Sunak in leadership poll

07:01 , Andy Gregory

New polling has found that Sir Keir Starmer beat Rishi Sunak on all 17 aspects of leadership put to respondents, including on building a strong economy and relationships with foreign leaders.

PM ‘nothing will stand in our way’ after Rwanda bill passes

07:12 , Barney Davis

The Prime Minister has said “nothing will stand in our way” of getting flights off the ground after the Government’s Rwanda deportation plan passed through Parliament.

In a statement Rishi Sunak said: “The passing of this landmark legislation is not just a step forward but a fundamental change in the global equation on migration.

“We introduced the Rwanda Bill to deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings and break the business model of the criminal gangs who exploit them.

“The passing of this legislation will allow us to do that and make it very clear that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay.

“Our focus is to now get flights off the ground, and I am clear that nothing will stand in our way of doing that and saving lives.”

'10-12 weeks until flights can take off’

07:20 , Barney Davis

The BBC is reporting that Rishi Sunak believes the Government will be able to start deportations to Rwanda by July.

Chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman told BBC Breakfast: “Legal obstacles have stopped him before. The Supreme Court has called the policy unworkable. People are preparing legal challenges to oppose deportations already. How will they progress?

“And does this policy do what it says on the tin? It’s designed to act as a deterrent to stop people making that journey across the Channel.

“If Rishi Sunak does get a flight off in July or a constant rhythm of flight as he puts it the question becomes will it do what he says it will will it stop making people making that journey.”

Migrants not dissuaded by Rwanda Bill

07:28 , Barney Davis

A BBC live report from the beaches of Calais shows a small boat attempting to cross the Channel hours after the landmark bill was passed.

The small boat can be seen in the live broadcast “turning back and forth” trying to avoid the attention of a French military boat as a spotter plane flies overhead.

BBC Home Affairs Correspondent Tom Symonds in Calais describes a “pitched battle” between 60 migrants and French police as they rush to try and get their dinghy in the sea.

He said: “This is ramping up the pressure and confrontation levels between the migrants and the police trying to stop them. As a spotter plane goes above us again.”

Rights groups condemn Sunak’s Rwanda plan

07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Human rights organisations have condemned prime minister Rishi Sunak’s flagship immigration bill to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda after it finally won approval from the parliament.

Freedom from Torture, Amnesty International and Liberty, criticised the British government for ignoring the findings of the supreme court, which had ruled the policy unlawful.

“We all deserve the chance to live a safe life, and to seek protection when we need it most. This shameful Bill trashes the constitution and international law whilst putting torture survivors and other refugees at risk of an unsafe future in Rwanda,” a spokesperson for the organisations said.

“No matter how many times the prime minister says so, we know this is not the will of the people.

“Caring people up and down the UK want to see men, women and children who’ve fled war, persecution and torture given protection and security, so they can recover and rebuild their lives in safety

.“Instead of punishing people who’ve already been through so much, we need compassionate and protection-focused policies.”

‘Labour determined to stop the flights. We want to stop the boats’ Illegal miration minister

07:35 , Barney Davis

Illegal Migration Minister Michael Tomlinson MP told Sky News that the Government expects the flights to depart in 10-12 weeks after the Rwanda bill was passed in the Commons last night.

He said: “We need to make sure the treaty is ratified, the bill receives royal assent and becomes an act of Parliament.

“It is inevitable I’m afraid there are going to be challenges.

“It is inevitable that people are going to throw everything at this to try and stop this plan from working.

“We saw last night from the Labour Party and the Labour lords more determined to stop the flights. We are determined to stop the boats.”

‘Rwanda a progressive country’ Tory minister insists

07:41 , Barney Davis

Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson said the Government was prepared for “inevitable” legal challenges to the Rwanda scheme.

He refused to divulge which airport flights would take off from fearing it would help opponents of the bill.

He told Times Radio: “Actually, Rwanda is a very progressive country. Frankly, some of the debate that we’ve heard in the House of Commons and the House of Lords – not recently, but in the early days – was very patronising and almost supercilious in looking down at Rwanda.

“Rwanda is a very progressive country. And we’ve seen that in all sorts of international measures as well.

“So yes, people can be safely sent to Rwanda and it is not unlawful to be gay in Rwanda and discrimination on any grounds is unlawful in Rwanda.”

Last year Human Rights Watch monitoring the human rights conditions in Rwanda since before the 1994 genocide, reported to the Commons: “Serious human rights abuses continue to occur in Rwanda, including repression of free speech, arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and torture by Rwandan authorities. Political space in Rwanda remains tightly closed and the opposition face routine threats and harassment.”

Overloaded dinghy seen heading towards UK hours after Rwanda bill

07:51 , Barney Davis

Migrants in a dinghy were turned back by French police before returning to Calais shore, taking on more migrants and making another attempt to cross the Channel.

Migrants from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Sudan were not deterred by the Rwanda bill and continued their journey to the UK.

Told migrants were prepared to make the crossing despite Rwanda deterrent Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson said: The act is not yet in force. “We need to get the flights off the ground then we will see the deterrent effect kick in.”

He pointed towards an Albania treaty which saw 90 per cent drop of Albanians coming across the Channel. He admits has been a spike in numbers from all nations crossing the Channel but says it is a “moral mission” to stop migrant deaths in the Channel.

Care4Calais say asylum seekers will ‘suffer irreversible harm'

07:52 , Barney Davis

Chief executive of the refugee charity Care4Calais, Steve Smith, has said asylum seekers will “suffer irreversible harm” if the Rwanda Bill goes ahead.

Mr Smith told Times Radio: “So for example, the Wethersfield camp, where the home office is supposed to apply criteria that determine who is sent to the camp. We often find people with mental illness, physical disabilities, victims of torture, modern-day slavery… these are the same sorts of reasons that people end up as asylum seekers.

“Where those criteria are present. We will support individuals in launching challenges.”

He described the idea of Rwanda being designated as a safe country for refugees by the Government as “fictional”.

“I mean, how do you just determine that the Supreme Court rules, (which) rule that it’s not a safe country for refugees? The United Nations High Commission for Refugees says that this is not a safe country, for refugees,” he said.

“Who in the Government has actually been to Africa other than a handful right up the top… it’s just nonsense.”

When will deportation flights take off?

08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda Bill is finally set to become law after weeks of parliamentary deadlock, paving the way for deportation flights to get off the ground.

The legislation is the latest attempt by the government to revive its plan to hand asylum seekers who come to the UK by crossing the Channel a one-way ticket to Kigali. The deal has been plagued by setbacks since it was signed two years ago.

When will Rwanda flights take off?

The first plane carrying asylum seekers could depart in July, after Mr Sunak acknowledged it could still take 10 to 12 weeks to get flights off the ground.

This would be more than two years since the first flight ever attempted under the deal was grounded amid last-minute legal challenges.

More here.

When will deportation flights take off now Rwanda Bill is set to become law?

Migrants say ‘getting to UK is worth risk of being sent to Rwanda'

08:01 , Barney Davis

Migrants seem undeterred about the risk of being sent to Rwanda, according to the BBC.

Migrants told BBC Breakfast “If there is a risk of going to Africa, that doesn’t matter to me. First I want to go to the UK it is worth the risk.”

A small percentage of those crossing will go to Rwanda at the start Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson admits.

But he said there will be a “regular rhythm of flights” as the Rwanda bill starts to work.

He said: “They are trying to come to the UK. But when they see they won’t get there.

“If you come to the UK illegally you will be detained and removed to Rwanda that is when you will see the deterrent effect kick in.”

What does Rishi Sunak’s burst of activity tell us about his general election plans?

08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

As the Tories face a bloodbath at upcoming local elections, the PM is desperate to get his backbenchers onboard, writes Andrew Grice.

What does Rishi Sunak’s burst of activity tell us about his general election plans?

Senior UN figures urge Sunak to reconsider the Rwanda plan

08:45 , Joe Middleton

Senior United Nations (UN) figures have urged Rishi Sunak to reconsider the Rwanda scheme, which they say “shifts responsbility” for refugee protection.

Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees said: “The new legislation marks a further step away from the UK’s long tradition of providing refuge to those in need, in breach of the Refugee Convention.

“Protecting refugees requires all countries - not just those neighbouring crisis zones - to uphold their obligations. This arrangement seeks to shift responsibility for refugee protection, undermining international cooperation and setting a worrying global precedent.”

Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said: “By shifting responsibility for refugees, reducing the UK’s courts’ ability to scrutinise removal decisions, restricting access to legal remedies in the UK and limiting the scope of domestic and international human rights protections for a specific group of people, this new legislation seriously hinders the rule of law in the UK and sets a perilous precedent globally.

“It is critical to the protection of the human rights and dignity of refugees and migrants seeking protection that all removals from the UK are carried out after assessing their specific individual circumstances in strict compliance with international human rights and refugee law.”

BREAKING: Five migrants die crossing English Channel hours after Rwanda deportation bill passes

08:51 , Joe Middleton

Five migrants have died in an attempt to cross the English Channel just hours after Rishi Sunak’s flagship Rwanda bill was passed by Parliament.

The French coast guard confirmed there was a failed attempt to cross the Channel on Tuesday morning.

A spokesperson said its agents were still operating at sea after what the official called a ‘busy’ morning, with several crossing attempts.

Alex Ross reports.

Five migrants die crossing English Channel hours after Rwanda deportation bill passes

UN experts urge airlines to not facilitate UK-Rwanda asylum transfers

09:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

UN experts have expressed concern over Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda bill and urged airlines not to facilitate the UK-Rwanda asylum transfers.

The first plane carrying asylum seekers could depart in July, after Mr Sunak acknowledged it could still take 10 to 12 weeks to get flights off the ground.

Independent experts with the UN said: “Airlines and aviation regulators could be complicit in violating internationally protected human rights and court orders by facilitating removals to Rwanda.”

They added that airlines should be held responsible if they assist in the removal of asylum seekers from the UK.

Watch: Rwanda Bill poised to become law after peers end stand-off

09:24 , Joe Middleton

Detention of migrants will start in days

09:37 , Joe Middleton

Preparations for the first flights to Rwanda will begin within days, with asylum seekers who could be relocated being identified and potentially detained.

Charter planes are expected to leave for Rwanda in 10-12 weeks, with Rishi Sunak promising “multiple flights a month”, although minsters conceded numbers being sent to Kigali will be small at first.

Some £290 million has already been committed to the Rwanda scheme, with a further £100 million earmarked over the next two years.

The cost of putting each migrant on a plane is expected to reach £11,000, while Rwanda will get £20,000 for each asylum seeker relocated there and a £120 million top-up once 300 have arrived.

Rwanda scheme is ‘backward step for the rule of law’ - reaction

09:47 , Joe Middleton

The Law Society, which is the independent professional body for solicitors in England and Wales, has criticised Rishi Sunak’s new Rwanda legislation.

Richard Atkinson, Law Society of England and Wales vice president, said: “The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill will soon become law but it remains a defective, constitutionally improper piece of legislation.

“It is extremely disappointing that the sensible amendments made by peers to remove some of the Bill’s worse excesses have been ignored.

“This Bill is a backward step for the rule of law and the UK’s constitutional balance and it limits access to justice.“Some of the most vulnerable asylum seekers will now be at further risk due to this fundamentally flawed Bill.

“UK government must be extremely careful about how it implements the legislation, ensuring it continues to work with the domestic courts and in line with our international obligations and commitments.”

Deaths in Channel ‘devastating’ and ‘all the more tragic’ coming just hours Sunak’s Rwanda bill - reaction

10:01 , Joe Middleton

The Refugee Council described reports of deaths in the English Channel as “devastating” and “all the more tragic” coming just hours after the Rwanda Bill was passed in Parliament.

Enver Solomon, the council’s chief executive, said: “It is shocking to learn of the terrible loss of yet more lives in the Channel this morning. Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected.

“This is another devastating human tragedy that could and should have been avoided - and for it to happen just hours after the Government’s Rwanda Bill became law makes it all the more tragic.

“The only sustainable way to reduce dangerous journeys across the world’s busiest shipping lane is for the Government to reduce the need for desperate people to take desperate actions.

“Instead of hostile, headline-grabbing legislation, we need to see safe routes for those fleeing conflict and persecution, including more options for family reunion, refugee visas, and cooperation with our European neighbours.

“We don’t need costly and unworkable laws - we need a fair and humane process that upholds the right to asylum, ensuring refugees are treated with dignity and respect.”

Tory minister in furious row with BBC over Rwanda scheme

10:19 , Joe Middleton

The Tory Minister in charge of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda was in a blazing row with the BBC after he was challenged over the scheme.

Michael Tomlinson, the Minister for Illegal Migration, told the BBC’s Mishal Husain he was “frustrated” with her questions.

He refused her request to give details of the flights claiming it would help those trying to wreck the plans. A clearly rattled Mr Tomlinson struggled to keep his composure as Ms Husain repeatedly interrupted him.

At one point she said his arguments were “irrelevant”. He accused her of adopting an ‘incredulous’ tone when he defended the new law.

When she pressed for details on possible legal challenges Mr Tomlinson refused to list ‘multifarious’ ways lawyers could try to thwart it.

Ms Husain’s first interjection came after Mr Tomlinson said “case workers” to process the asylum seekers to be sent to Rwanda were being trained.

“You haven’t fully trained them yet?” she said on BBC Radio Four’s ‘Today.’

Accusing her of trying to stop him giving an explanation, he said: “You asked a question with an incredulous tone. I am trying to answer it. Then you interrupt me.”

Ms Husain butted in again when Mr Tomlinson said Labour had led the Lords campaign to oppose the Rwanda legislation.In fact it was “largely cross benchers,” she told him. She expressed further scepticism, asking: “Do you have an airline contract, yes or no? It sounds as though you don’t.”

Mr Tomlinson would not say, replying: “There are those determined to stop this come what may. The more details I give you the more ammunition it gives to those who want the policy to fail.”

The most heated exchange came when Ms Husain said it appeared that victims of torture could be sent to Rwanda “whatever physical or mental state they were in.”

Mr Tomlinson repeatedly defended the scheme saying Rwanda was a “safe country.”

As Ms Husain protested “no, no, no,” he refused to back down: “You could ask me (about) an infinite number of (legal) challenges, you’re not going to get that kind of clarity. We will meet the challenges and the planes will take off”.

When Mr Tomlinson compared the scheme with immigration curbs used successfully by Australia and Government measures which had effectively stopped migrants to Britain from Albania, Ms Husain said the comparison was ‘irrelevant.’

There were more fireworks when she asked how long it would take to carry out the Government’s plan to send 50,000 illegal migrants already in the UK to Rwanda.

‘I haven’t done the mathematics, I’m sure you can,’ snapped Mr Tomlinson. She interrupted: ‘No, no I can’t because you won’t tell me how many will go each month.’ Mr Tomlinson told her: “That’s because I can’t tell you at the moment”.

Home Secretary James Cleverly ’these tragedies have to stop’

10:27 , Kate Devlin

Home Secretary James Cleverly has said “these tragedies have to stop” but insisted the Government was doing “everything we can” to stop small boats after five people drowned in the channel.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said his flagship Rwanda scheme will “deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings” and break the business model of the criminal gangs in charge of the boats.

Mr Cleverly said: “These tragedies have to stop. I will not accept a status quo which costs so many lives.

“This Government is doing everything we can to end this trade, stop the boats and ultimately break the business model of the evil people smuggling gangs, so they no longer put lives at risk.”

Yvette Cooper says not a single asylum seeker will go to Rwanda under Labour

10:45 , Joe Middleton

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has said not a single asylum seeker will go to Rwanda under a Labour government.

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration Bill) cleared Parliament shortly after midnight today (23 April) after peers backed down, ending resistance to the scheme.

The prime minister hopes the Rwanda scheme will deter migrants from seeking to cross the English Channel,

Ms Cooper called the Bill “an extortionately expensive gimmick rather than a serious plan to tackle dangerous boat crossings” during an interview with Sky News.

When asked by presenter Kay Burley: “So no one during a Labour government will go to Rwanda?”, Ms Cooper replied: “No, that’s not our plan.”

Yvette Cooper says not a single asylum seeker will go to Rwanda under Labour

Rwanda Bill will not make the ‘slightest difference’ - reaction

11:00 , Kate Devlin

Former national security adviser Lord Ricketts has warned the Rwanda Bill will not make the “slightest difference” how many “desperate people” risk their lives on small boats.

The peer accused Rishi Sunak’s government of “ramming this bad Bill through” parliament.

But just hours after five people died trying to cross the channel in a small boat ,he added: “Will it make the slightest difference to the number of desperate people risking their lives to get here? I don’t believe it will”.

How did the five migrants die this morning

11:09 , Alex Ross

We’re relying on accounts from people based in France who have either watched the rescue operation take place or have spoken to those involved and survivors.

The information we’re getting is that the boat capsized after hitting a sandbank shortly after leaving the beach off Wimerux.

Dany Patoux, of the Osmose 62 refugee charity, was among those to witness the return of a number of migrants on board.

He said: “One of the boats had around 110 people on board.

“It hit a sandbank just off Wimereux, and this caused mass panic on the boat. People stood up, and the boat became unbalanced.

“The boat ran aground for a few minutes, but then continued out to sea.

“People began to fall into the water, and then the boat capsized, flinging everybody in to the very cold sea.”

Watch: Immigration minister appears to bang table in heated Rwanda debate with BBC presenter

11:15 , Joe Middleton

‘Terrible loss of yet more lives’

11:34 , Alex Ross

Responding to the tragic loss of life in the Channel this morning, Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said the deaths were another devastating human tragedy that could have been avoided.

She said: “It is shocking to learn of the terrible loss of yet more lives in the Channel this morning. Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected.

“This is another devastating human tragedy that could and should have been avoided – and for it to happen just hours after the Government’s Rwanda Bill became law makes it all the more tragic.

“The only sustainable way to reduce dangerous journeys across the world’s busiest shipping lane is for the Government to reduce the need for desperate people to take desperate actions.”

More than 50 migrants onboard continued journey - local official

11:51 , Alex Ross

More has emerged on the tragic boat crossing during a media briefing this lunchtime.

As we know, French coastguard said five migrants died in the crossing this morning, including one child.

We knew about a major rescue operation, and now local official Jacques Billant has shared more on what happened.

He said 47 migrants were rescued from the attempted crossing that left five people dead, including a seven-year-old girl.

Four of the 47 rescued where taken to a hospital.

He added more than 50 people decided to remain on the boat and continue their journey towards Britain.

A total of 112 people were on the board the boat, he added.

Rishi Sunak said the “tragic” incident “underscores” the need for the deterrent

12:35 , Alex Ross

Rishi Sunak has reacted to the deaths of five migrants, including a child, on an attempted crossing of the English Channel, just hours after his Rwanda bill passed through Parliament.

Previously, Mr Sunak has said the scheme, which could see flights taking asylum seekers to east Africa beginning in July, will “deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings” and break the business model of the criminal gangs organising the boats.

On Tuesday, during a flight to Poland, he told reporters: “There are reports of sadly yet more tragic deaths in the Channel this morning. I think that is just a reminder of why our plan is so important … it underscores why you need a deterrent very simply.”

Council of Europe Commissioner of Human Rights raises ‘major issues’ on Rwanda bill

13:04 , Alex Ross

Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a statement following Parliament’s passing of the controversial Rwanda bill, in which he said it raised “major issues about the human rights of asylum seekers and the rule of law more generally”.

He said: “Managing asylum and migration is undoubtedly a complex endeavour for states, but it must always be done in full compliance with international standards. In this regard, I am concerned that the Rwanda Bill enables the implementation of a policy of removing people to Rwanda without any prior assessment of their asylum claims by the UK authorities in the majority of cases.

“Specifically, the Bill prevents individuals faced with removal to Rwanda from accessing remedies for potential violations of the absolute prohibition of refoulement, while it also significantly excludes the ability of UK courts to fully and independently scrutinise the issues brought before them.”

How much does Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation scheme cost?

13:20 , Joe Middleton

The government has already committed £290 million to the troubled scheme, with a further £100 million set to be spent on it over the next two years. The cost of Mr Sunak’s flagship scheme is expected to soar to half a billion pounds, an investigation by Whitehall’s spending watchdog found.

The government has refused to say how much more money, on top of the £290 million already confirmed, the UK had agreed to pay Rwanda under the deal.

The National Audit Office (NAO) report revealed millions more in spending, including £11,000 for each migrant’s plane ticket, while Rwanda will get £20,000 for each asylum seeker relocated there and a £120 million top-up once 300 have arrived.

Tory minister squirms over immigration figures as migrants cross channel live on air

13:35 , Alex Ross

A Tory immigration minister was grilled on immigration figures as migrants were seen travelling through the Channel on a boat live on air.

Michael Tomlinson was questioned on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, 23 April, after Rishi Sunak’s controversial Rwanda bill was given the green light in parliament the day before.

“People crossing the channel... have known that they could be sent to Rwanda... What we’re seeing right now... on BBC Breakfast is people still prepared to take that risk. They are not deterred,” host Jon Kay said.

Mr Tomlinson pushed back that “the deterrent effect” would take time.

“Hardly anyone is getting on a small boat now from Albania because the deterrent effect has come in,” he insisted.

Tory minister squirms over immigration figures as migrants cross channel live on air

Bill won’t make the slightest difference - former national security adviser

13:47 , Kate Devlin

Former national security adviser Lord Ricketts has warned the Rwanda Bill will not make the “slightest difference” how many “desperate people” risk their lives on small boats.

The peer accused Rishi Sunak’s government of “ramming this bad Bill through” parliament.

But just hours after five people died trying to cross the channel in a small boat ,he added: “Will it make the slightest difference to the number of desperate people risking their lives to get here? I don’t believe it will”.

‘Utterly bleak day'

14:08 , Alex Ross

Plenty of reaction today to the five deaths from the failed English Channel crossing this morning.

Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UK’s refugee and migrant rights director, has said:“Today is an utterly bleak day for people seeking asylum in the UK.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends who’ve lost loved ones desperately trying to cross the Channel to seek safety.

“We’ve already seen the government attempt to use these tragedies at sea as an excuse to brazenly push ahead with its cruel and reckless scheme to forcibly transport people seeking asylum to Rwanda.

“The Rwanda scheme won’t save lives and – despite all the empty claims – it was never designed to.”

Watch live: Sunak meets Nato chief and Polish prime minister after Rwanda bill given green light

14:36 , Alex Ross

Watch live as Rishi Sunak meets Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg and Polish prime minister Donald Tusk at a military base in Warsaw on Tuesday, 23 April, after his controversial Rwanda bill was given the green light in parliament.

The group will visit the Warsaw Armoured Brigade before a delegation meeting.

Mr Sunak and Mr Stoltenberg will then give a press conference.

The British PM will pledge a record package of military aid for Ukraine as he travels to Warsaw and Berlin to meet the leaders of Poland, Germany, and Nato.

Warning that Vladimir Putin “will not stop at the Polish border” if his assault on Ukraine is not thwarted, Mr Sunak will announce £500m in extra military funding and the UK’s largest-ever donation of key equipment.

Live: Sunak meets Nato chief and Polish PM after Rwanda bill given green light

‘We need safe routes'

14:55 , Alex Ross

Dr Wanda Wyporska, chief executive officer at Safe Passage International, said: “Waking up to news of men, women and a child dying in such a harrowing way is devastating. This was entirely preventable.

“This loss of life comes just hours after the Government ruthlessly pushed through the cruel Rwanda Bill. It won’t disrupt the smugglers’ grip on dangerous journeys, with refugees suffering for this Government’s failures.

“We need safe routes, such as a refugee visa urgently, so people fleeing war and persecution have safe ways to reach the UK to ask for protection or reunite with family. Our thoughts are with those who died, and their loved ones who may not even know yet of their loss.”

Charities express ‘outrage’ in open letter to Rishi Sunak on Rwanda Bill

15:39 , Alex Ross

More than 250 charities from across the UK have united to pen an open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, asking him to abandon the “deplorable” Rwanda bill after it was passed by Parliament on Monday night.

The charities include the Humans for Rights Network, Freedom from Torture and Disability Rights UK.

The letter says: “Despite the clear ruling from the Surpreme Court, the government is rewriting the facts so they can shirk our responsiblities to refugees.

“In doing so, the govermnet would break international law and further shatter the UK’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.

“While this is a targeted attack on refugees and migrants, an attack on one group’s rights is an attack on all of us.”