Rwanda bill - live: Sunak doubles down on refusal to help Afghan heroes as no guarantee of fights by spring

Commons leader confirms Rwanda bill will return to the House of Commons on Monday

Related video: MP who made Rayner complaint unable to explain what offence he thinks she committed

Rishi Sunak has doubled down on his refusal to exempt Afghan heroes who served with British forces from being deported to Rwanda.

A No 10 spokesman said on Wednesday that the government would not be making any concessions on the Rwanda bill after the House of Lords last night voted in favour of the move.

The defiant upper chamber refused to cave to ministers’ demands and sent the flagship Rwanda plan back to the Commons.

Peers are also demanding the set up of a monitoring committee to assess whether Rwanda is safe before the government sends asylum seekers there.

Downing Street also on Thursday was unable to recommit to the prime minister’s pledge to get flights to Rwanda off the ground by the spring.

The spokesman said: “I’m not going to get ahead of the bill passing, which obviously we’ve seen again last night has continued to be held up.

“We’re working at pace to ensure these flights leave as soon as possible. It’s now incumbent on the Lords to pass this Bill such that we can trigger the final planning phases and ultimately stop the boats.”

Key Points

• No 10 unable to guarantee flights by spring
• Government won’t accept plan to exempt Afghan heroes
• Shapps insists he wants to help Afghan heroes
• Lords snub calls by MPs to back down over Rwanda protections

[17 April 2024 10:31 · Matt Mathers]

In full: Manchester police chief suggests multiple allegations made against Rayner

Police investigating Angela Rayner have suggested there are multiple allegations which may extend beyond her housing arrangements.

Greater Manchester Police had previously announced they are investigating the Labour deputy leader over the sale of her council house in Stockport and whether she broke electoral law by giving false information of her address during the 2010s.

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