British government officials have been accused of employing sneaky and secretive methods after a high-ranking government employee disclosed in a written message that they had given an additional £100 million to Rwanda in order to have asylum seekers sent there.
The head civil servant of the Home Office, Sir Matthew Rycroft, informed members of Parliament that a payment was issued in April, following an initial transfer of £140m. He also stated that an additional payment of £50m is anticipated for next year.
New information has emerged following Rishi Sunak’s announcement at a press conference on Thursday, where he stated that he would continue with his deportation plan despite pushback from members of his party.
Meg Hillier, the chair of the public accounts committee, who was in receipt of the letter, stated on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, “This is all very secretive and mysterious behind the scenes.” The committee had been actively seeking to uncover the true cost of the project.
She stated: “It was clear to us that if this program was being altered, there would be a monetary aspect involved. We directly asked this question but did not receive a response.”
Rycroft had previously said the government would set out the costs annually and only the initial £140m was known. But in a letter on Thursday to Hillier and Diana Johnson, chair of the home affairs committee, he disclosed its full cost so far.
Hillier expressed dissatisfaction with the current method of reporting costs for the project, stating that it is absurd to only do so once a year. He believes that a project of this magnitude should be reported on more frequently and suspects that the government may be trying to conceal information. He urges for a resolution to be reached.
Rycroft stated that the additional payment of £100m to the Rwandan government was not connected to the treaty and instead was allocated for an economic development and integration fund.
Hillier expressed worry about the lack of information provided at each stage of the proposed change. She finds it unacceptable that members of parliament would be asked to vote without a complete understanding of the current costs, expected outcomes, and future expenses.
Sunak recently issued a bill that grants ministers the authority to disregard Strasbourg’s rulings, without completely withdrawing from the European convention on human rights. This bill resulted in the resignation of immigration minister Robert Jenrick.
The recently appointed minister in charge of legal migration and delivery, Tom Pursglove, stated in an interview with Sky News on Friday that the bill is a crucial measure in implementing the program. He mentioned, “This legislation addresses numerous concerns that have been raised regarding individuals being sent to Rwanda in the past…I am confident that this will effectively address the issue.”
Pursglove, who assumed the position following Jenrick’s sudden resignation on Wednesday evening, expressed confidence that Conservative Members of Parliament would support Sunak regarding the Rwanda bill.
Pursglove stated that the prime minister will be leading the party in the upcoming general election amidst pressure on Sunak. He believes that fellow colleagues also support the prime minister’s decision to take action on this matter and will back the legislation.
“We are all in agreement about halting the boats. I believe that he will guide us through this election. I have confidence that we will emerge victorious in the general election, and I believe he is demonstrating the type of leadership that the nation desires on this crucial matter.”
Source: theguardian.com
