Guardian understands dozens of detentions have taken place across the UK this week, prompting demonstrations

The timing of the announcement on the Rwanda scheme, which is estimated to cost more than £500m over five years, has prompted scorn Labour.

A party source said: “Is there any more blatant sign that [former immigration minister Robert] Jenrick was right about this all being symbolic before an election than this mad flurry of stories?

“The core substance though hasn’t changed. This is a tiny scheme at an extortionate cost and the criminal gangs will see through this con.”

Downing Street categorically denied this. The prime minister’s press secretary said: “From our part there isn’t really a day to lose when people are dying in the Channel having been induced into boats by gangs.

  • @[email protected]English
    -3•6 months ago

    I don’t think the Rwanda plan is the will of the people at all.

    I think the will of the people is that France is a safe country and that anyone trying to get across the channel illegally is an economic migrant and they should be pushed back with force if required. Anyone that makes it should be arrested and returned to their country of birth also by force if required.

    The main issue with the Rwanda plan is that it isn’t big enough of a deterrent. People would much rather put everyone on some Scottish island for processing then send them home when required.