POLITICS

Tory rebels hold out for tougher Illegal Migration Bill

Age verification assessments at heart of stand-off over controversial reforms
The proposed new law returns to the Commons next week with dozens of MPs refusing to back down over key measures
The proposed new law returns to the Commons next week with dozens of MPs refusing to back down over key measures
STEPHEN CHUNG/ALAMY

A group of about 60 Conservative rebels are refusing to cave in over demands to toughen up Rishi Sunak’s Illegal Migration Bill.

The MPs are demanding ministers make at least two concessions when the key legislation returns to the House of Commons next week.

Some of the MPs discussed their demands with the prime minister over breakfast in No 10. They also met Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister, as part of a charm offensive from ministers to try to persuade them to back down.

The group of hardline Tories met Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister, to discuss their concerns
The group of hardline Tories met Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister, to discuss their concerns
ALAMY

The rebels want the government to introduce mandatory scientific age assessments for migrants who claim they are under-18. Plans to introduce x-rays of migrants’ wrists, collarbones and knee joints to determine their age will require consent to be given by