After the Commons rejected its prior revisions earlier this week, the Safety of Rwanda Bill was discussed in the House of Lords.
• A 271–228 majority in favor of an amendment ensuring that the bill had “due regard” for international law;
• A 285–230 vote to alter the treaty with the UK to say that Rwanda is protected only as long as that clause is in effect;
• A 276–226 vote to modify to verify if Rwanda is adhering to its treaty responsibilities;
• A change by 263 to 233 that permits individual appeals based on safety in Rwanda;
• A 249–219 amendment requiring the local government to conduct age assessments for individuals who are scheduled for deportation;
One of the people who voiced opposition to the government’s ideas was Lord Vernon Coaker of Labour.
He berated the Commons for rejecting “carte blanche”—all of the Lords’ initial modifications.
Lord Coaker expressed his displeasure with the ongoing parliamentary back-and-forth that is scheduled to resume following the Easter break, citing the “government’s own management of its own timetable” as the cause.
