James Cleverly's £165,000 Rwanda Flight Sparks Controversy Amid Asylum Policy Debate

The Home Secretary's costly trip to sign a deportation treaty with Rwanda raises questions on spending priorities as the House of Lords delays the related bill.

James Cleverly chartered a private jet for £165,561 to sign a deportation treaty with Rwanda, amid Supreme Court concerns over the country's safety for migrants.
The Home Office defends the expenditure, citing the urgent need to fast-track the treaty signing and the broader goal of stopping illegal small boat crossings.
The House of Lords has delayed the passage of the government's Rwanda Bill, pushing back deportation flights and drawing criticism for the legislative holdup.
Critics highlight the high cost of the flight and the planned deportation program, contrasting it with the government's claims of pursuing cost-effective solutions.
The Rwanda deal includes the establishment of a new appeal body and monitoring by an independent committee, aiming to address safety and legal concerns for deported asylum seekers.