UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a significant challenge on Wednesday as he navigated a Conservative Party rebellion and successfully pushed his plan to send some asylum-seekers to Rwanda through the House of Commons. This comes after numerous Conservative members had rebelled in an attempt to make the legislation tougher, causing dissent and costing Sunak significant support. Despite this, the bill managed to pass the lower House of Commons with a vote of 320 to 276 in favor.

MPs vote through the #RwandaBill with a majority of 44 in favour of Rishi Sunak's flagship plan to send some asylum seekers to #Rwanda@rhonddaBryant’s described the plan as “a flimsy piece of nonsense…which will lead to expensive chaos & inevitably lead to legal challenges.” pic.twitter.com/WE1OQRUxOE

— Elizabeth Gould (@MissyFitLondon) January 17, 2024

Sunak's controversial immigration policy, which aims to send unauthorized asylum-seekers to Rwanda to deter risky journeys across the English Channel, has become central to his attempt to win an election later this year. However, the divisive nature of the policy has left the party divided and lacking in unity, with some members expressing concerns over its legality and extreme nature. The plan, which revolves around a deal made almost two years ago between the UK and Rwanda, has been criticized by human rights groups, challenged in courts, and deemed illegal by the UK Supreme Court.

The agreement with Rwanda involves sending migrants who reach Britain across the Channel to Rwanda, where they would permanently stay. The UK has paid Rwanda at least 240 million pounds ($305 million) under the agreement, but no one has yet been sent to the East African country. The bill now faces further opposition in the unelected House of Lords, where Sunak's Conservatives do not have a majority.

The Lords can delay and amend legislation but ultimately cannot overrule the elected House of Commons, making this an ongoing battle as the bill progresses through Parliament. As the country awaits further decisions on the controversial immigration policy, it remains to be seen how this will impact the upcoming elections and the future of the Conservative Party.