PM: 'Do not frustrate the will of the people'

RISHI Sunak yesterday issued a warning to peers that they must "do the right thing" and not "frustrate the will of the people" by blocking his flagship Rwanda Bill.

- Sam Lister and Steph Spyro

After seeing off a Tory rebellion in the Commons, Mr Sunak turned his attention to the unelected Lords, telling them: "There is now only one question.

"Will the opposition in the appointed House of Lords try to frustrate the will of the people as expressed by the elected House, or will they get on board and do the right thing? It's as simple as that." The Prime Minister does not have a majority in the upper chamber, which is packed with Labour and Liberal Democrat members.

Mr Sunak is now expected to face a battle to get the Rwanda Bill through when it is debated over the next few weeks.

In a clear sign of the resistance to come, members shouted "Shame!" as the legislation was formally introduced in the House of Lords yesterday.

The opposition of peers is a fresh hurdle the Government has to overcome after a Tory rebellion melted away in the Commons on Wednesday evening.