Will Sunak Pass The Rwanda And Smoking Ban Bill Tests?

Rishi Sunak is poised to fight two significant battles this week as parliament reconvenes following the Easter break.

- ZOE GRUNEWALD

The first will be a test of his government, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, which will see MPs and peers undertake what looks likely to be the final round of wrangling over Rishi Sunak’s plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

The second will be a test of Mr Sunak’s personal legacy, as his proposed smoking ban will be given a free vote when it comes to the Commons on 16 April.

What is the significance of the two pieces of legislation?

Both these bills are very important for the prime minister as they will test the feasibility and popularity of two of his major policies just weeks before local elections. The Rwanda bill is now widely perceived as the Conservatives’ primary solution to illegal immigration, with the hopes that the policy will serve as a deterrent to those crossing the channel in small boats – a top priority for many voters and one of Mr Sunak’s key pledges.

As many Conservative voters defect to right-wing challenger party Reform UK, the Tory leader is facing even more pressure from the right of his party to ensure the bill passes, even if it means overriding the UK’s international human rights obligations.