UK PM Sunak loses two vocal supporters to asylum rebellion

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attends a security accord signing ceremony, during a visit to Presidential Palace, in Kyiv, Ukraine, January 12, 2024. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defeated an initial right-wing rebellion in his party on Tuesday over legislation to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, refusing to cede ground in a battle that prompted two of his vocal supporters to resign.

The resignations of two Conservative vice-chairmen underlined the deep divisions in Sunak's governing party over legislation he believes is crucial in turning round his party's popularity before an election this year.