Peers inflict first defeat to Sunak's Rwanda plan as they back delay to asylum treaty

First blood has been drawn by peers over Rishi Sunak’s controversial Rwanda deportation plan.

Inflicting a defeat against the Government, the House of Lords backed by 214 votes to 171, majority 43, an unprecedented move seeking to delay a treaty with the east African nation that paves the way for the divisive asylum scheme.

The unelected chamber supported a call by the Lords International Agreements Committee (IAC) that Parliament should not ratify the pact until ministers can show Rwanda is safe.