Britain has already paid £120 million for stalled Rwanda deal

Britain has already paid £120 million for stalled Rwanda deal
July 22, 2022, 4:35 pm

The Hope Hostel in Rwanda is preparing to host asylum seekers coming from the UK under a controversial deportation deal [Getty]

Britain has already paid Rwanda £120 million ($144 million) to take migrants despite the deal being grounded by legal challenges, the Anews reported, citing the DPA.

It said that officials for the east African nation's government confirmed it has received the entire initial payment for the agreement signed in April.

Last month Downing Street conceded that some cash had been paid but refused to say how much or when this had happened, saying the information was "confidential," the report mentioned.

The first deportation flight was grounded in June after a series of legal challenges and another attempt is yet to scheduled.

When asked by reporters how much money had already been paid by Britain, Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said: "There was an initial transfer of £120 million. This has already been paid and we are already using the funds to prepare."

She added that Rwanda remains "committed" to the partnership.

British rescuers (front) helping some 20 migrants on a semi-rigid boat trying make their way from France across the English Channel. (File photo: AFP)

Several asylum seekers, the Public and Commercial Services union and charities Care4Calais, Detention Action and Asylum Aid are challenging the legality of the Home Office policy, with the next court hearings due in September and October.

The ongoing court cases have raised the prospect that a flight may not be attempted again until the winter.

Ireland suggests UK's Rwanda scheme could be increasing incoming migrant numbers

Some migrants issued with Rwanda removal directions have already been released from immigration detention because, as yet, another flight has not been lined up.

Earlier this week the Commons Home Affairs Committee found there is "no evidence" that the policy is acting as a deterrent.

It is worthy to note that since Home Secretary Priti Patel signed the deal, more than 1,000 migrants have crossed the Channel.

Source: anews

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