Rwanda has dismissed suggestions that it might return any of the £290 million committed to the now-abandoned migrant deportation deal with Britain.
The Rwandan administration insisted it had “fully upheld its side” of the agreement, including financial commitments originally agreed upon.
In one of his first acts as PM, Sir Keir Starmer declared the UK’s deal with Kigali “dead and buried.”
![In one of his first acts as PM, Sir Keir Starmer declared the UK's deal with Kigali "dead and buried.” Photo: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer](https://www.tv47.digital/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ARTICLE-UPRIGHT-9-800x1000.png)
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The decision came despite Conservative leader Rishi Sunak’s claims that the Rwanda plan was already working as a deterrent.
Consequently, there had been speculation that the new Labour Government could try to recoup some of the taxpayer money earmarked for the Kigali deportation scheme.
However, the Rwandan government downplayed the likelihood of a refund, despite no migrants ever being deported to Africa under the scheme.
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Rwanda refuses to return Britain’s money
Rwanda expressed its awareness of the intention of the UK Government to terminate the Migration and Economic Development Partnership Agreement.
Additionally, the partnership was initiated by the UK government to address the crisis of irregular migration affecting the UK.
Rwanda shared that the problem the agreement sought to address was a UK migration problem and not a Rwandan issue.
![Rwanda expressed its awareness of the intention of the UK Government to terminate the Migration and Economic Development Partnership Agreement. Photo: Rwandan President Paul Kagame.](https://www.tv47.digital/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ARTICLE-UPRIGHT-10-800x1000.png)
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Furthermore, Rwanda clarified that it has fully upheld its side of the agreement, including concerning finances.
Additionally, through its spokesperson, it shared that it remains committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis, including providing safety, dignity, and opportunity to refugees and migrants who come to our country.”
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UK PM Starmer committed to cutting Rwandan ties
The Labour Party had committed to scrapping the Rwanda scheme in its winning general election manifesto.
On the other hand, the Tories had promised a “regular rhythm of flights every month” to Rwanda in their election campaign to a very contentiously passed arrangement.
In a move to display posterity, former PM Sunak cited migrants traveling to Ireland after arriving in the UK on small boats as evidence that the Rwanda scheme was deterring migration.
Ironically, the British government had refused to disclose how much more money, beyond the £290 million already committed.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has however hinted that the Labour government would attempt to recover some of the taxpayer money spent on the scheme.
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