UK government defends £56,000 per person cost for returns under 'one in one out' France scheme
Quick Brief
The United Kingdom is spending roughly £56,000 for every individual sent back to France under its 'one in, one out' migration agreement. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revealed the financial figure during questioning by the home affairs select committee. She defended the expenditure, asserting that the cost is comparable to or lower than housing a person in a hotel for a year.
What Happened?
During an appearance before the home affairs select committee, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood disclosed that the government's 'one in, one out' agreement with France costs approximately £56,000 for each person returned. Confronted by MPs questioning whether the arrangement provides proper value for taxpayers, the home secretary defended the high expense by arguing that it roughly matches or undercuts the cost of maintaining an individual in hotel accommodations for a full year.
Why It Matters
The disclosure highlights the steep financial realities of managing cross-border migration deals and housing asylum seekers. As lawmakers scrutinize government spending and taxpayer value, the comparative cost of deportations versus long-term domestic lodging remains a central point of debate in UK politics.
Key Facts
- The UK's 'one in, one out' return deal with France costs about £56,000 per returned individual.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revealed the figure to members of Parliament.
- The disclosure was made during a session with the home affairs select committee.
- Mahmood defended the expense by stating it is comparable to or cheaper than a year of hotel accommodation.
Compiled from 2 outlets
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