Millions spent by UK government to get migrants to return home

• Labour has spent almost £40m on an assisted voluntary returns scheme that pays migrants up to £3,000 to leave the UK .
• Since taking power in July 2024, Labour has significantly ramped up the programme, with 17,346 migrants accepting the offer by March.
• The Home Office defended the scheme, noting that an average voluntary return costs £4,000 compared to £48,000 for a forced return and £158,000 a year to house a family in an asylum hotel.
• Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the government , arguing Labour should focus on stopping illegal arrivals rather than paying migrants to leave.
• The Refugee Council supported the voluntary returns process, saying it treats individuals with dignity while offering a far cheaper alternative to forced deportation.

IN FULL

Labour spends £40m paying migrants to return home as Mahmood ramps up removals