In a scathing clash in the Commons, Labour branded the Government’s insistence on sending Afghan war heroes who helped British troops fighting the Taliban to Rwanda a “disgrace”.
MPs voted down a call to exempt those who assisted UK forces overseas from being sent to the African nation.
It was thrown out by a majority of 305 to 234 after a Home Office minister insisted the protection isn’t needed.
MPs also rejected a further amendment to Rishi Sunak’s controversial Safety of Rwanda Bill, which would set up an independent body to assess if asylum seekers can safely be sent there.
Shadow Immigration Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “It beggars belief that the Government is still insisting on being able to deport Afghans who have bravely fought alongside British forces against the Taliban to Rwanda.
“It really is shameful that we are still debating what should be a given.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the Afghans who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our troops. And yet this Government is seeking to try to trash our reputation as a country that honours its debts.
“What a disgrace.”
