­­­­­­­­Peers in the House of Lords have pressed their demand for changes to the Rwanda scheme causing further parliamentary deadlock over Rishi Sunak’s controversial deportation plan.

The House of Lords snubbed ministerial calls to back down and insisted by 245 votes to 208, majority 37, on a requirement that the east African country cannot be treated as safe until promised protections are in place.

A short time later, the upper chamber inflicted a further defeat, again backing by 247 votes to 195, majority 52, an exemption from removal for those who worked with the UK military or Government overseas, such as Afghan interpreters.

The Lords’ insistence on the amendments ensures a fourth round of "ping-pong" over the Bill, where legislation is batted between the two Houses until agreement is reached.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been dealt another blow over his Rwanda scheme

The legislation will now be sent back to the Commons for MPs to consider the latest changes by peers.

Earlier today, SNP home affairs spokeswoman Alison Thewliss told the Commons: "With the best will in the world, these amendments are not enough. Even if we pass them today, the Rwanda Bill is a turd which cannot be polished, it is absolutely disgusting and objectionable in every sense.

"I would ask also: will the Labour Party repeal this? Because this Bill will pass, but will the Labour Party make one of their first acts, should they become the government, to repeal this legislation?

"Or will they keep it on the statute books should they become the government after the election?"