Migrant crisis: Unelected Lords launch audacious bid to ruin plan to end crossings

But the bill, that would see people who have entered the country illegally detained and removed to a “safe” third country such as Rwanda, is set to be opposed in the House of Lords this afternoon.

Dozens of peers are demanding changes to the Immigration Bill which they claim is currently “unworkable and unethical”.

Tory MPs are expecting the controversial proposals to face a hammering by the upper chamber, with the legislation set to be dismantled and sent back to the Commons for final consideration.

However, Lib Dem Lord Paddick wants the bill to be denied a second reading.

The ex-deputy assistant commissioner of the Met Police said he felt the proposed legislation “doesn't meet the UK's international law commitments and doesn't address the problems it's supposed to solve."

And his reservations were shared by a Labour MP who insisted that the amount of resistance to the idea shows that it’s a “gimmick bill.”

The Labour representative told The Mirror: “The range of peers who’ve signed up for Second Reading is an indication of the wide concern that exists with this legislation, and the tough scrutiny and challenges it will face in the months ahead.

"The small boat crisis needs tackling head on but this gimmick of a Bill won’t deal with the major problems and misery caused by those who traffic and exploit vulnerable people, risk lives, and undermine our border security.

"And the headlong rush to get it on the statute book will also see genuine asylum seekers stuck in a semi-permanent limbo while the backlog of claims gets longer and longer."

In total 87 peers are expected to share their thoughts at the debate, and the Labour source says there’s an opportunity for MPs to take the gripes of the peers, including child safety and modern slavery on board.

The insider added: “There is, of course, an opportunity – as ever when a Bill is in the Lords – for Ministers to listen to the warnings and advice, especially in relation to modern slavery, child safeguarding, safe and legal routes of passage, and crime enforcement against the gangs.

"And the speakers' list for Second Reading suggests judicial oversight, international law, and the lack of an impact assessment are also set to be key pinch points."

But Green Party members are looking to kill the bill altogether, with baroness labelling the “illegal” proposal “immoral and plain nasty,” while another party peer reckons it will, “reduce the chances of working with our neighbours for a fair, just, workable system.”

And the bill is also facing resistance from within the Conservative party as Tory MP Stephen Hammond declared that he will vote against the measure if amendments weren’t made - also citing safety concerns.

He exclusively told GB News in late April: “I don't think there's anyone who's really against the principle of stopping illegal immigration. There's illegal immigration, there's economic migrancy and there's asylum - but I want to be reassured.

"I want to ensure the Government is making adequate provision for under 18 year-olds in terms of making sure they're properly looked after, and that we recognise that they are more vulnerable than others.

"I'm aware that two of my colleagues have been talking to the Government fairly heavily. But I think it's really important that we maintain our reputation that if you are under threat from persecution because of your religious, political, sexual orientation or whatever that the UK will offer you a home."