Tories spent £700 million on Rwanda scheme, branded a waste by Home Secretary

Expensive 'gimmick' scrapped by Labour government

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed that the abandoned Rwanda deportation scheme cost a staggering £700 million, with only four volunteers actually sent to the African country. Cooper slammed the previous government's policy as "the most shocking" waste of taxpayers' money. The new Labour government swiftly decided to ditch the scheme, deeming it an expensive "gimmick."

Outrage over exorbitant costs and lack of effectiveness

Cooper expressed disbelief at the costs incurred, stating, "It would frankly be cheaper to put them up in the Paris Ritz." She highlighted the absurdity of spending £700 million to send just four volunteers, which included payments to Rwanda, chartering unused flights, detaining and releasing hundreds of individuals, and employing over 1,000 civil servants for the scheme.

Concerns over ongoing small boat crossings

Despite scrapping the Rwanda scheme, Cooper warned MPs that dangerous small boat crossings are expected to continue in the coming months. She emphasized the need for urgent action to address the asylum backlog and proposed a change that could save taxpayers an estimated seven billion pounds over the next decade.

Accusations of using 'made up numbers' and disrespect towards Rwanda

Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly criticized Cooper for using "made up numbers" and accused the government of showing disrespect towards the Rwandan government. Cleverly argued that scrapping the Rwanda partnership removed a necessary deterrent, and he condemned the lack of formal notification to Rwanda about the decision.