Government splashes £290m as Rwanda deportation flights remain grounded
£100m spent amid ongoing legal roadblocks
The Government has poured another £100 million into the controversial Rwanda asylum scheme in 2023-24, despite no deportation flights taking off thanks to relentless legal challenges. This fresh payout adds to the £140 million already spent, pushing costs sky-high.
Home Office predicts bill will hit £290m
The Home Office warns it will spend an extra £50 million next year, bumping the total price tag close to £290 million. Labour slammed the revelations as “incredible” and branded the entire scheme a “total farce.” They’re demanding an independent inquiry into the spiralling costs.
Emergency bill targets courts to unblock deportation flights
The Government plans to rush emergency legislation through Parliament to declare Rwanda a “safe” destination for asylum seekers. This move aims to block courts from halting deportation flights, a major win for the administration.
The bill is set for debate and vote on Tuesday. But Tory rebels face a stark choice: fall in line or risk losing the party whip—a punishment that would effectively boot them from the Conservative Party.
Scheme faces backlash from human rights groups
The Government insists the policy is vital to stop illegal Channel crossings. Yet it faces heavy criticism from human rights campaigners and repeated court blocks. The staggering cost revelations pile on the political pressure, raising fresh questions about whether the scheme is worth the price.
