Related video: MP who made Rayner complaint unable to explain what offence he thinks she committedSign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inboxGet our free View from Westminster emailDowning Street has ruled out making concessions on its Safety of Rwanda Bill as more parliamentary ping pong looms.Peers on Tuesday voted to amend the legislation for a third time, further prolonging parliamentary wrangling over the law intended to clear the way for asylum-seekers who cross the Channel in small boats to be deported to Rwanda.The government had been reportedly considering concessions, including exemptions for Afghans who assisted British forces, but the prime minister’s official spokesman ruled out any such move.Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer accused “billionaires” Rishi Sunak and Tory peer Lord Ashcroft of “smearing a working class woman”, his deputy, Angela Rayner.The pair have criticised Ms Rayner over the sale of her former council house, suggesting she may have failed to pay capital gains tax or given false information.Earlier it was reported that the police probe was looking at several allegations including tax relating to the sale.Also at Prime Minister’s Questions, Rishi Sunak refused to rule out cuts to the NHS and state pensions to fund a £46bn national insurance giveaway.Show latest update 1713365455MPs reject bid to ensure Rwanda Bill follows human-rights lawsMPs have voted by 306 to 240, a majority of 66, to reject a Lords amendment that sought to ensure the Safety of Rwanda Bill had “due regard” for international and key domestic laws, including human rights and modern slavery legislation.Jane Dalton17 April 2024 15:501713365154No 10 refuses to consider more Rwanda Bill concessionsDowning Street has ruled out making concessions on its Safety of Rwanda Bill as MPs and peers prepare for another round of parliamentary ping pong.Peers have voted for a third time to amend the legislation that will allow asylum-seekers crossing the Channel in small boats to be deported to Rwanda.The government had been reported to be considering making some concessions to ensure the Bill’s passage, including on exemptions for Afghan nationals who assisted British forces.But the Prime Minister’s official spokesman ruled out any such move, telling reporters: “We are not considering concessions. We believe the Bill as it stands is the right Bill and the quickest way to get flights off the ground.”MPs are therefore likely to reject the Lords’ amendments once again, before sending the legislation back to the Upper House later on Wednesday.It will then be up to peers to decide whether to press their changes further, with Labour saying it would back two amendments proposed by the Lords.A party spokesman said Labour would “continue to take the position that we have so far”, including by supporting proposals to exempt Afghans who helped UK troops.There is potential for further debate on the Bill until late on Wednesday night as the legislation passes between Parliament’s two houses if agreement is not reached.Jane Dalton17 April 2024 15:451713364941Watch: Tory minister says she will not be reading Liz Truss’s new bookTory minister says she will not be reading Liz Truss’s new bookJane Dalton17 April 2024 15:421713357014Ex-Tory minister slams ‘hypocritical’ focus on Angela Rayner’s tax affairs as police probe multiple claimsNick Boles, who was an MP for nine years, slammed the scrutiny over the sale of Ms Rayner’s former council home and whether she avoided paying the right tax or had correctly registered at the right address.Full report: Matt Mathers17 April 2024 13:301713355655‘Shout a bit louder so none of us can hear’: MPs in row over Rayner house sale live on airTwo MPs became embroiled in a row over the investigation into Angela Rayner and the sale of her former home live on air after PMQs.James Daly, the Conservative Party deputy chairman, was asked by senior Labour MP Chris Bryant what offences he thought Ms Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, had committed.Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation after Mr Daly contacted them with concerns about how the force had initially responded after it emerged that Ms Rayner had not paid capital gains tax on the sale of the property.When asked by the Labour MP what he thought Ms Rayner had done, Mr Daly said “the matter is with Greater Manchester Police – they’ve confirmed” before being interrupted by Mr Bryant.“Shout a bit louder so none of us can hear,” Mr Daly then told Mr Bryant. “Unlike Chris, who shouts and makes all sorts of public allegations, what I want to do is – an allegation has been made to the police, the police are investigating that allegation – lets give them the time and opportunity to do that”.It is the second time this week Mr Daly has refused to say what offences he thought Ms Rayner had committed. Read more below: Matt Mathers17 April 2024 13:071713355231Watch: Sunak takes aim at Rayner’s ‘tax affairs’ during fiery exchange over Liz Truss’s book at PMQs More
