Sending migrants to Rwanda is ‘money well spent’, says minister Mel Stride as first flight could set off within weeks

SENDING migrants to Rwanda would be money well spent, a minister insisted yesterday.

Hopes that the first flights will set off within weeks are rising in government, with a crunch court ruling on whether the policy is legal due tomorrow.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride said a clampdown had reduced the number of Albanians arriving here illegally by 90 percent.

And he believes the Rwanda deportation threat could have a similar effect on other migrants.

He told LBC: “If we can replicate what we have seen in Albania for Rwanda, I would say that is money well spent.”

Earlier this week, the Home Office admitted it could cost up to £169,000 per illegal migrant to send them to a third country.

But Mr Stride said: “It costs money but it’s the right thing.”

His remarks came as the Government faced a first defeat in the Lords over its controversial Illegal Migration Bill.

Peers supported Labour-led changes to the law so it will uphold a string of European and UN refugee rules.

Today, ministers will be braced for Court of Appeal judges to return their long-awaited verdict which could sweep aside legal objections to Rwanda flights.