Today’s news summary – Paper Talk: Sunak battles for party amid Rwanda vote
Most of Tuesday’s newspapers focus on the battle facing Rishi Sunak as the prime minister attempts to persuade Tory MPs to support his flagship Rwanda bill. MPs on the right of the party want the legislation to go further but more centrist Conservatives are warning against changes.
Rwanda Commons debate
The headlines are largely centred around the Commons debate on Rwanda, with The Times speculating on a potential rebellion within the Conservative party. Despite concerns from some MPs about the emergency legislation supporting the scheme, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is determined to proceed with the vote. Over 40 MPs are reportedly considering voting against the bill or abstaining, seeking changes in its wording to address their reservations about its effectiveness in preventing legal challenges by asylum-seekers facing deportation to Rwanda.
The Daily Mail’s headline, “Down To The Wire,” suggests a tight vote, with concerns that a rebellion could jeopardise not only Sunak’s Rwanda policy but his government as well. The Daily Express quotes a member of the New Conservatives faction, indicating confidence in a successful rebellion and even speculating that the prime minister might withdraw the vote.
Former defence secretary Ben Wallace, writing in the Daily Telegraph, cautions against allowing the dispute to bring down the government, urging colleagues not to let the pursuit of perfection hinder progress.
Cop28
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports accusations that Saudi Arabia pressured the COP28 president to alter the final draft text, diverting attention from fossil fuel phase-out discussions.
The Guardian highlights the mixed reactions to the COP text, with some climate experts expressing concern and anger, while others appreciate the mention of reducing fossil fuel production.
The Times reports on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s disagreement with Russia’s president over a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council meeting, defending Israel’s position during a phone call with Vladimir Putin.
The Daily Mirror focuses on “shocking” cancer death rate disparities in different English areas, citing a study by Imperial College London revealing higher mortality rates in poorer regions—a phenomenon dubbed a “cancer poverty trap.”