Ministers hope to see the first deportations take off before May 2, 2024More than 100 illegal migrants have already been earmarked for the first wave of Rwanda deportations, it can be revealed today.
It came as MPs last night voted to reject all ten amendments made to the Bill by unelected peers earlier this month. 'This Bill is an essential element of our strategy to protect our borders, stop the boats and prevent the tragic loss of lives at sea by dangerous, illegal and unnecessary crossings across the Channel,' Mr Tomlinson said.
Home Office teams are 'preparing for all eventualities' once the legislation is passed, it is understood, including probable legal challenges and even potential protests by groups opposed to the scheme. The PM's official spokesman said: 'We are identifying and have identified the cohort of people who will be the first to board flights. We are continuing to work at pace on that so the first flights are ready to go in the weeks after the Bill passes.'