Today’s news summary – Paper Talk: 60 Tories turn on PM and Fujitsu apology
Most of Wednesday’s front pages lead on the rebellion mounted against PM Rishi Sunak by Tory MPs as part of attempts to strengthen the Rwanda asylum bill.
Rwanda Bill rebellion
According to the Financial Times, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ultimate triumph over the rebels came at a “steep political cost,” resulting in shaken authority and escalating animosity within the Conservative party. The paper suggests that Sunak is strategically wagering on the assumption that rebel Tories won’t jeopardise the bill entirely during Wednesday’s vote, fearing backlash from their constituents.
The Daily Mail warns that a rejection of the bill would thrust the government into crisis, potentially propelling Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer into Number 10. The paper anticipates a day of intense persuasion by Tory whips to dissuade rebels from voting against the bill. Downing Street has adamantly refuted claims from some Conservative MPs that Sunak is willing to dissolve the government in case of defeat.
On a more optimistic note, The Times reports that only six Tory MPs have publicly committed to voting against the bill, suggesting a more favourable outcome for the prime minister. The Daily Telegraph, however, contends that 14 Conservative MPs are “threatening” to reject the bill, with many others contemplating a similar stance.
The i newspaper leads on the MPs who defied the PM including Tory Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson, who resigned to join the rebellion and former PM Liz Truss. The paper says the rebellion won’t be enough to force changes but will alarm Tory strategists in an election year.
The Guardian calls the rebellion the “biggest revolt of [Mr Sunak’s] leadership”.
And the Daily Express reports that the PM made a “dramatic last-minute plea” to the rebels to unite behind the bill. The paper says Tory rebels have been told that the first flights to Rwanda might take off in the spring if they give the bill their support.
Post Office scandal inquiry
Paul Patterson, the European director of Fujitsu appeared before MPs on the Business and Trade Select Committee on Tuesday.
The Metro reports he apologised for the “appalling miscarriage of justice” suffered by sub-postmasters. The paper quotes Patterson admitting that Fujitsu helped the Post Office prosecute innocent people and that it now has a “moral obligation to contribute” to compensation packages.
The Daily Mirror says Fujitsu’s apology comes “only after a TV show [exposed] them”. The headline reads: “About time”.