LONDON - Britain's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda will be debated on Monday April 22 in the House of Commons, the government said on Thursday, setting the date for what it hopes will be the last stage in a protracted parliamentary battle over the scheme.

On Wednesday, Britain's House of Lords rejected for a fourth time the piece of legislation needed for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to push through one of his flagship policies.

Under the scheme, the government wants to start sending asylum seekers arriving illegally in Britain to Rwanda to have their claims processed.

“Our intention is to get this done on Monday,” Sunak's spokesman said, adding that the government did not want to see any more delay.

The bill will continue to be passed between both houses of parliament until the final wording is agreed. Parliamentary time was also set aside, if needed, for further debate on April 23. REUTERS