Rishi Sunak’s controversial Rwanda bill becomes law after receiving royal assent

The government’s controversial Rwanda bill has finally become law after it received royal assent today.

The scheme, which seeks to deport asylum seekers arriving in the UK via small boats to Rwanda, was passed by parliament this week.

Rishi Sunak has promised that the first flights will take off in “10 to 12 weeks” – “come what may”.

The Lord Speaker has told the House of Lords that the bill had received royal assent, meaning it is now an act of parliament.