South Dorset MP Richard Drax abstained from a crucial vote on the Government's Rwanda policy, saying that he agreed the bill was "flawed".

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill was passed with a majority of 44, despite several MPS who were critical of the bill abstaining.

In total, the bill received 313 ayes and 269 noes.

Mr Drax was one of 37 Conservative MPs who recorded no vote, alongside Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood.

Mr Drax said he agreed with the policy of stopping small boats which was why he did not vote against the government, however, he said the show of "unease" by fellow Conservative MPs has won them concessions which will allow more amendments to the bill to be considered.

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset said: “Both former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, and lawyers from the ERG’s Star Chamber, have said that the Bill is flawed and will not do what it says on the can.

"While I agree with the policy of stopping small boat crossings, which is why I did not vote against the Government, the law must be sufficiently watertight to ensure the aim is achieved.

"By showing the depth of unease felt by many colleagues, we have won concessions from the Government to now consider amendments which will make the Bill more effective.”