Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has managed to secure a victory in a crucial vote on the government's flagship Rwanda bill, despite facing opposition from some members of his own party. The legislation, aimed at deterring migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats, passed its first Commons hurdle with a majority of 44 votes. However, there are still further votes to come in the new year.

Even the Tory papers know yesterday's #RwandaBill vote was a minor victory.
Sunak is enjoying a FA Cup victory parade when he's just won a game in the 3rd round.

— Peter Smith (@Redpeter99) December 13, 2023

While no Tory MPs voted against the bill, some critics on the right of the party chose to abstain. These rebels have expressed the need for tighter legislation to ensure that the policy is effective. On the other hand, some centrist Tory MPs have warned that they will oppose any changes that would breach international law. The legislation will now face scrutiny in the House of Lords, and then return to the Commons for further debate and potential amendments. Despite the victory, Prime Minister Sunak is still likely to face challenges and tough negotiations in order to get the bill through Parliament and onto the statute book.