REFUGEE groups united today to call on Tory MPs to ditch the Rwanda Bill as fractious backbenchers met to discuss whether to back it.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was facing the Covid-19 public inquiry as two warring Tory factions met to consider if they will back his flagship legislation later today.

The government has insisted that the Rwanda scheme, through which asylum-seekers in Britain would be deported to its capital Kigali, is a key part of Mr Sunak’s “stop the boats” pledge.

The Refugee Council’s Enver Solomon said: “It is time for the government to stop its obsession with unworkable and inhumane schemes that show a total disregard for men, women and children in search of safety.

“There are constructive alternatives we have set out that would create an orderly and humane asylum system, ensure people have a fair hearing and are treated with dignity and compassion.”

The Welsh Refugee Council called on the government to drop its expensive Rwanda scheme and concentrate on making Britain’s asylum system work.

Gareth Lynn Montes, Welsh Refugee Council research lead, said: “The courts have already passed their judgement on Rwanda.

“No amount of extra money or rushed legislation will change the fact that it is a cruel, costly plan.”

The Home Office’s permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft was hauled before a joint meeting of the Common’s public accounts and home affairs committees after previously failing to disclose the amount of money the government has already paid to Rwanda.

Last week, a letter from Sir Matthew to the chairs of the two committees was published which revealed that Britain had handed a further £100 million on top of the £140m already paid to Rwanda with another £50m planning to be given next year.

In exchanges, Sir Matthew explained he wrote after discovering the figures had been disclosed to the International Monetary Fund by the Rwandan government.

Hardline rightwingers from the European Research Group (ERG) and other camps on the Conservative right met yesterday to decide whether to support the Bill.

ERG chairman Mark Francois said that the Rwanda Bill was not fit for purpose and called on the government to “pull the Bill” because it has “so many holes in it.”

One-Nation Conservatives are to hold a meeting after the Star goes to press tonight to discuss whether to support the Bill.