Paper Talk: Rishi’s Rwanda bill survives revolt 

Today’s news summary – Paper Talk: Rishi’s Rwanda bill survives revolt 

Thursday’s front pages report on the government’s success in seeing off a revolt by Tory MPs who wanted to see the Rwanda bill strengthened. Despite initial fears that there could be a major rebellion, the bill passed with only 11 rebels.

Several papers lead on the health of the Princess of Wales, who’s in hospital after surgery and King Charles, who will be having surgery next week. 

Rishi’s Rwanda bill survives revolt 

The Daily Telegraph mentions that the bill eventually passed in the House of Commons, which was a setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s harshest critics within the Conservative party. They were planning to question his leadership if the bill had been defeated. However, the newspaper also notes that there are still many obstacles before the bill becomes law, especially in the House of Lords. Members there might try to weaken some of the tougher measures due to concerns about violating international law.

According to the Daily Mail, the prime minister’s challenges related to the Rwanda bill are expected to continue for months as members of the House of Lords and migrant groups threaten new obstacles. On the other hand, the Daily Express believes that the vote has brought the first migrant flights to Rwanda one step closer, and the sooner they start, the better, according to the newspaper.

The Times reports that even though the prime minister successfully dealt with the rebels, support for the Conservative party is at a low of 20%, not seen since the economic troubles triggered by former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s mini-budget. A YouGov poll for the paper indicates that only 35% of people who voted Conservative in 2019 now trust Sunak on immigration. This gives the Labour Party a significant 27-point lead over the Tories.

The Guardian has learned that the first 100 people to be deported once the Rwanda bill becomes law have already been selected. Home Office officials say they were chosen because there are no apparent grounds for appeal.

Princess of Wales abdominal surgery

Health concerns for the King and Princess of Wales take centre stage in several newspapers. The Sun reports that the princess is on the road to recovery following abdominal surgery, while the King requires an operation for an enlarged prostate, marking a “double health blow” for the Royal Family. 

According to the Daily Mirror, an unnamed source reveals that Prince William’s primary role now is to support his wife. The Daily Mail’s headline, “Let’s Pray They’re Both OK,” reflects the collective sentiment. The paper emphasises the significance of the news, highlighting the limited number of prominent family members available to step in for the ailing royals.

Bronson Battersby death 

The i newspaper alleges another flawed Post Office IT system, preceding the Horizon scandal, leading to wrongful convictions. Labour MP Kevan Jones is in contact with potential victims of the Capture system, and it’s unclear who developed it. The Post Office has reportedly declined to comment on its implementation.

The Sun continues coverage of the tragic case of a two-year-old boy, Bronson Battersby, who appears to have starved to death after his father’s fatal heart attack. The mother, Sarah Piesse, reveals that Bronson if two inches taller, could have reached a fridge full of leftovers. Lincolnshire County Council children’s services, aware of Bronson, have launched an urgent review.

The Daily Telegraph reports that shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves is contemplating tax cuts for top earners to position Labour as the party of economic growth. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Reeves expressed her desire to celebrate success under a Labour government, leaning towards lower taxes.