The British government has been criticized for their secretive actions after a top government official disclosed in a written statement that they had given an additional £100m to Rwanda to relocate refugees.
Matthew Rycroft, the highest-ranking civil servant at the Home Office, informed Members of Parliament that a payment was issued in April, following an initial payment of £140 million. He also stated that an additional payment of £50 million is anticipated for next year.
The information was revealed after Rishi Sunak stated at a sudden press conference at Downing Street on Thursday that he would continue with his deportation plan, despite facing backlash from his fellow MPs.
Meg Hillier, the chair of the public accounts committee, was informed about the letter and shared her thoughts on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, stating that the situation seemed secretive and hidden. The committee had been actively trying to uncover the true expenses of the project.
She stated: “It was evident to us that if the program was being altered, there would be a financial aspect involved. We directly inquired about this but did not receive a response.”
Previously, Rycroft stated that the government would provide yearly updates on expenses and that only the initial £140m was confirmed. However, in a letter sent on Thursday to Hillier and Diana Johnson, the chair of the home affairs committee, he revealed the total cost incurred thus far.
According to Hillier, reporting costs only once a year is an unreasonable method. This is not an appropriate way to report on a significant project such as this one. It gives the impression that the government is trying to conceal something and we must address this issue.
Rycroft stated that the additional payment of £100 million to the Rwandan government was unrelated to the treaty and was instead intended for an economic development and integration fund.
Hillier expressed concern about the lack of detailed information provided during each stage of the proposed change. She finds it unacceptable for MPs to vote without a complete understanding of the current and future costs, as well as the expected outcomes.
Sunak released a bill that grants ministers the ability to disregard rulings from Strasbourg, without fully withdrawing from the European convention on human rights. This move resulted in the resignation of immigration minister Robert Jenrick.
The recently appointed Minister for Legal Migration and Delivery, Tom Pursglove, stated in an interview with Sky News on Friday that the bill is a crucial move towards implementing the program. He explained, “This legislation addresses numerous arguments that have been raised regarding individuals being sent to Rwanda in the past… I am confident that this will effectively accomplish the task.”
Pursglove, who was appointed to the role after Jenrick’s dramatic resignation on Wednesday night, also said he believed Conservative MPs would back Sunak on the Rwanda legislation.
Pursglove stated that the prime minister will continue to lead the party in the upcoming general election despite Sunak facing criticism. He believes that fellow colleagues will also support the prime minister’s decision to address this matter and that they will back the legislation being proposed.
We are all united in our goal to put an end to boat arrivals. I believe that he will guide us through this election and lead us to victory. He is demonstrating the kind of leadership that our country needs in addressing this crucial issue.
Source: theguardian.com
