The Rwanda deportation scheme cost the UK government £715 million before being scrapped, with expenses including £290 million to Rwanda and £280 million for operational costs. Only four individuals were deported, leading to criticism about the scheme’s effectiveness in deterring Channel crossings. The Labour government plans to redirect funds saved from scrapping the scheme to improve border security.
A recent financial breakdown has revealed that the scrapped Rwanda deportation scheme cost the UK government a total of £715 million. This amount includes £290 million paid to the Rwandan government and £50 million allocated for transportation and security logistics. Additionally, £95 million was spent on detention and reception centers, while operational costs, such as new IT systems and legal fees, accounted for an additional £280 million. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper pointed out that only four individuals were sent to Rwanda during the two years of the scheme’s operation, costing an exorbitant £700 million. The initiative, intended to deter Channel crossings, ended without achieving any deportations or reducing the number of crossings. Under the new Labour administration, the scheme was terminated early this year, allowing for an immediate estimated saving of £750 million, with plans for the funds to be redirected to enhance border security. The Rwanda plan, initiated by the previous Conservative government, aimed to address illegal migration through deterrents, yet critics have raised concerns regarding its effectiveness.
The Rwanda deportation scheme was introduced by the Conservative government as a controversial strategy to combat illegal migration by sending asylum seekers to Rwanda after crossing the English Channel. This initiative faced heavy criticism for lacking evidence to demonstrate its deterrent effect on illegal crossings. With the change in government to Labour earlier this year, the scheme was abandoned, leading to revelations about the significant financial burden it imposed on taxpayers. The detailed breakdown of spending highlights the extensive costs associated with its implementation and raises questions about the efficacy of similar future proposals.
In summary, the Rwanda deportation scheme cost the UK government £715 million, raising serious concerns regarding its financial and operational viability. The termination of the plan under the Labour government, accompanied by a reassessment of border security strategies, underscores a shift in approach toward managing illegal migration. The significant expenditures without any successful deportations serve as a pivotal lesson for future migration policies.
Original Source: www.expressandstar.com
