The Lords issued Parliament with a list of amendments to the Rwanda bill. The government rejected every one and the bill was put to the vote on 16 April. It passed. These were the amendments:
- An amendment to make sure the legislation has “due regard” for international law.
Rejected.
- An amendment that states it is only safe in Rwanda while the provision in the treaty with the UK is in place.
Rejected.
- An amendment to check whether Rwanda complies with its treaty obligations.
Rejected.
- An amendment allowing individual appeals based on safety in Rwanda.
Rejected.
- An amendment requiring age assessments for those being deported to be carried out by the local authority.
Rejected.
- An amendment preventing those who say they are victims of modern slavery from being deported.
Rejected.
- An amendment to prevent the deportation of those who have served with or for the UK’s armed forces.
Rejected.
Anybody still got their hands up?
Fortunately, the Lords refuse to be cowed and have voted to put most of the amendments back in. Again.
As Jenny Jones, (Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb) said:
“The Rwanda Bill is an absolutely vile bill.. The Tory government is actually abusing not just human rights and the rule of law, but also democracy itself. […] What is the point of the House of Lords if it can simply be ignored by the government? […] If you think the public supports this bill, call a general election. And I think you’ll be unpleasantly surprised that they don’t. So general election now, please”
Hands up for the Lords!
