Tory revolt to force Suella Braverman to toughen up Channel migrants Bill ‘is put on hold’

Suella Braverman looks to have averted an immediate showdown with Tories pushing to toughen up Channel migrants legislation.

Rebels have indicated they are unlikely to push amendments today that would completely block Strasbourg from interfering in deportations.

Ringleaders say talks with the Home Secretary have been ‘very positive’ – although they are waiting to hear from her in the Commons later before confirming they will not force a vote.

Rishi Sunak is walking a tightrope over his flagship plans to ‘Stop the Boats’, with both wings of the Conservatives and Cabinet ministers up in arms. Under the blueprint all Channel arrivals would be subject to immediate deportation without being able to claim asylum.  

Government legal advisers are believed to be resisting moves to ignore injunctions by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. 

Attorney General Victoria Prentis is said to have raised concerns about the measures on the grounds they would breach international law.

And top lawyer Sir James Eadie KC, who advises the Government on legal matters, has also apparently expressed reservations.

Meanwhile, there are even claims that Ms Braverman is in league with rebels and has been encouraging them to press for a harder stance on deportations. 

Allies of Mr Sunak have feared for some time that she is setting herself up to resign over the UK’s ties to the ECHR – which Downing Street insists is not up for grabs. 

It is unclear why a key element of the flagship immigration reforms is being opposed from within Government at such a late stage, nearly three weeks after ministers trumpeted the Bill as their solution to the Channel crisis

Up to 60 Tory backbenchers have been threatening to amend the Bill unless Mr Sunak agrees to toughen it up.

Backbencher Danny Kruger, who has put down a key amendment, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.  

‘Discussions are going on… we are looking for commitments from the government to take seriously the  amendments that we’re putting down that would strengthen the Bill.

‘We’re very supportive of what they are doing, there’s no rebellion here, but we do want to make sure that we get those commitments.’

He added: ‘The indications we have received are very positive from the government.’ 

Four amendments to the Bill tabled by backbenchers include legislation allowing ministers to ignore Rule 39 orders – injunctions by Euro judges – and other interventions by the Strasbourg court which prevent migrants being deported to Rwanda or another safe country.

Most of the amendments are due to be considered by MPs tomorrow.

Home Office minister Chris Philp told Sky News: ‘As I understand it, she (Ms Braverman) is discussing these various amendments with Members of Parliament. I am sure she is in listening mode as always.

‘But this Bill is a well-designed, well-constructed Bill designed to stop the boats which the public expect the Government to do.’

He also played down the prospect of the government accepting amendments from the other wing of the Tories to establish more safe routes.

He told LBC radio: ‘This country has a lot of safe and legal routes established already.

‘In terms of creating more, my own view is that we should fix the illegal immigration problem first, stop the boats, as the Prime Minister has committed, and then we can add in these additional and safe and legal routes.’

It is unclear why a key element of the flagship immigration reforms is being opposed from within Government at such a late stage, nearly three weeks after ministers trumpeted the Bill as their solution to the Channel crisis.

Ms Braverman is hoping to begin deportation flights to Rwanda by the summer.