Gedling MP Tom Randall was among the group of more than 50 Conservative MPs who rebelled over prime minister Rishi Sunak’s bill to revive the stalled Rwanda plan.
The MPs rebelled against their party leadership to vote for changes to the proposed bill, which aimed to make sure UK or international law could not be used to stop people being deported to Rwanda.
Mr Randall backed amendments to the bill tabled by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick and veteran Tory Sir Bill Cash.
In a post on his social media channel, Mr Randall wrote: “This Rwanda bill is far-reaching legislation designed for to protect our borders and crack down on illegal immigration. I am backing some of former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick’s amendments which I believe will further strengthen the Bill, but I am looking forward to seeing this legislation on the statute book so that we can stop the boats.”
The Government’s Rwanda plan aims to send migrants who cross the English Channel on small boats on one-way trips to the central African nation rather than allow them to try and stay in the UK.
So far, the policy has cost around £290million but has not succeeded in sending anyone to Rwanda after a series of challenges in the courts.
Some 58 MPs backed Mr Jenrick’s amendment.
However, no Conservatives voted against the Bill at second reading – despite similar warnings from the right of the party which had appeared to put it in jeopardy beforehand.
Tory Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith stepped down in order to vote for two amendments.
Mr Sunak is battling to see off another major revolt today (17) at the third reading of the bill.
