UK to ignore judges on small boat deportations as Rishi Sunak caves to right-wing Tory rebels

Tory rebels reach deal with government – giving home secretary power to block European court

Rishi Sunak has caved in to pressure from right-wing Tory rebels and agreed to toughen his controversial small boats bill by allowing ministers to ignore the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Tory rebels say they have reached a deal with the government to amend the Illegal Migration Bill – aimed at removing people who arrive in the UK on small boats – after threatening to revolt over the legislation.

The government has reportedly agreed to give the home secretary Suella Braverman powers to disregard injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights – so-called rule 39 orders – in some instances.