Former prime minister Liz Truss has slammed "activist lawyers" she says are thwarting a crackdown on illegal migration.

Dozens of Conservatives, including the South West Norfolk MP, are backing amendments to the government's Rwanda Bill.

Eastern Daily Press: Liz TrussLiz Truss (Image: free)

Ms Truss said: "We have told the British people time and again we intend to crack down on illegal migration, yet keep being thwarted by a range of spurious legal loopholes being exploited by activist lawyers.

"It is essential the legislation we are passing is watertight and closes all those possible loopholes, which is why I am backing this raft of amendments."

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The government’s bill and a treaty with Rwanda are intended to make the scheme, designed to deter small boat crossings of the English Channel, legally watertight following a Supreme Court ruling against the plan.

Ministers want to be able to send migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda, where they will be able to seek asylum in the African nation.

Eastern Daily Press: Prime minister Rishi SunakPrime minister Rishi Sunak

But right-wing Conservatives fear prime minister Rishi Sunak's plan is not rigorous enough and want it beefed up through the amendments, to come before the house next week.