UK refuses further payments to Rwanda amid migrant deal fallout

The UK government has confirmed it will not make additional payments to Rwanda following the collapse of the controversial migrant deportation deal. The agreement, initiated by the previous Conservative administration, aimed to send asylum seekers to Rwanda but was scrapped by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it « dead and buried. »

Rwanda had requested the UK fulfill its financial obligations, reportedly £50 million, citing a breach of trust after the UK suspended some aid to the country.

However, the UK maintains that Rwanda has waived any further payments related to the scheme.

Tensions escalated after the UK cut bilateral aid to Rwanda last month, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo—a claim Rwanda denies.

Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo criticized the aid cuts as « unjustified punitive measures, » emphasizing the need to address security threats near its borders.

The migrant deal, which cost the UK £240 million, faced widespread criticism for its high costs and limited impact, with Starmer arguing it was ineffective as a deterrent.

A UK government spokesperson stated the scheme « wasted taxpayer money » and should not continue.

The dispute highlights the strained relations between the two nations, with Rwanda now seeking to enforce what it claims are legally binding financial commitments from the UK.

Source: bbc.com