Latest Lords defeat will delay Rwanda Bill until after Easter

BLOW FOR STOP THE BOATS BID

- Michael Knowles

PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak's plan to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda has been dealt a fresh blow by unelected Peers.

The House of Lords last night voted again to water down the scheme to prevent more migrant deaths in the Channel.

There is now little or no chance of the Safety of Rwanda Bill clearing Parliament before MPs break for Easter on Tuesday.

And flights are unlikely to take off before June as officials believe it will take at least six weeks to get planes off the ground once the legislation gains Royal Assent.

The Lords move was branded "undemocratic" last night.

Senior backbencher David Jones said: "The Commons has spoken very clearly. Now that the amendments have been rejected, the Lords should accept that and allow the legislation to proceed."

Fellow Tory MP Tom Hunt added: "The House of Lords needs to respect the democratic will of the House of Commons.

"They're totally out of touch on the issue of illegal immigration.

"Hardly any of them have had to live with the consequences of rampant mass migration and the small boats crossings.