Government splashes £240m on deportation flights that never took off
Sky-high bills but no flights
The government has forked out another £100million in 2023-24 despite no deportation flights leaving UK soil thanks to legal battles. That comes on top of the £140million already spent, bringing the total to a jaw-dropping £240million wasted so far.
Costs set to hit £290m as Home Office digs deeper
The Home Office has revealed it expects to cough up another £50million next year, sending the overall bill for the controversial policy soaring to £290million.
Labour slams scheme as a “total farce”
Labour blasted the shocking spending, calling it “incredible” and demanding an independent inquiry into the policy’s eye-watering costs. “This scheme is a total farce,” Labour said.
Government pushes emergency bill to force Rwanda rulings
Facing court blocks, ministers are rushing emergency legislation through Parliament to declare Rwanda a “safe destination” for asylum seekers—a move aimed at stopping further legal stays on deportation flights.
The bill is up for debate and vote on Tuesday. However, Tory MPs face a grim choice: back the bill or risk losing the party whip in a possible confidence vote showdown.
Policy slammed but still pushed as a Channel deterrent
Despite mounting criticism from human rights groups and repeated legal defeats, the government insists the scheme is vital to stop illegal Channel crossings. But with costs spiralling and court blocks continuing, pressure is mounting like never before.
