Downing Street has announced that the government will thoroughly examine the financial aspects of the now-defunct Rwanda deportation scheme to determine what funds can be recovered or reimbursed in the wake of its cancellation.
A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street revealed that any funds salvaged from the terminated Rwanda deportation scheme would be reallocated to bolster the newly established Border Security Command, tasked with addressing the pressing issue of small boat crossings.
The government of Rwanda affirmed that it had diligently fulfilled its obligations and commitments under the agreement, upholding its end of the bargain in its entirety.
The controversial Rwanda relocation program, initiated by the previous Conservative administration, sought to discourage dangerous Channel crossings by diverting certain individuals who entered the UK without authorization to the East African nation, to stem the flow of illegal arrivals.
The plan faced legal hurdles, preventing the relocation of migrants to Rwanda before the election. The scheme involved the Home Office committing funds to support Rwanda’s economic development and additional payments for processing and relocating individuals.
By the end of 2023, the UK had already transferred £220m to Rwanda. However, future payments, contingent on the number of individuals relocated, will no longer be made, as the scheme has been scrapped. Terminating the plan means these payments will not be disbursed as previously agreed upon.
The Rwandan government issued a statement asserting that the UK initiated the partnership to address its irregular migration crisis, emphasizing that the issue was solely a UK concern, not Rwanda’s.
The statement highlighted Rwanda’s fulfilment of its agreement obligations, including financial commitments. It reaffirmed Rwanda’s dedication to solving the global migration crisis and providing safety, dignity, and opportunities to refugees and migrants in Rwanda.
Earlier this year, President Paul Kagame suggested the possibility of returning funds if no migrants were sent to Rwanda. While the Rwandan government later indicated it would consider refund requests from the UK, it emphasized that it was not under any obligation to do so.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer officially announced the termination of the Rwanda scheme, dubbing it “stillborn” and indicating that it would not be moving forward. The government also confirmed that the two remaining migrants slated for deportation to Rwanda would be released on bail in the coming days.
Additionally, the previous administration granted bail to 218 migrants from detention centres during the election campaign, further underscoring the scheme’s demise.
Labour had labelled the plan a costly ‘publicity stunt.’
Labour has vowed to establish a unified Border Security Command, integrating officials from the Border Force, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services. This consolidated entity will leverage counter-terrorism powers to combat and dismantle people-smuggling networks, ensuring a more effective and coordinated approach to border security.
The new government is confronted with several pressing issues, and unlawful immigration is a significant concern that requires urgent attention and effective solutions.
Over 13,000 individuals have successfully made the perilous journey across the Channel in small vessels, highlighting this periphery’s perils.
The current total surpasses the corresponding figure from the previous year, indicating a concerning upward trend. However, it’s important to note that last year saw a decline in numbers compared to the previous year, suggesting a complex and fluctuating trend in Channel crossings.
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