Labour admits ‘one-in, one-out’ deal costs £56k per migrant

Labour has confirmed that the controversial one-in, one-out returns deal with France costs £56,000 per migrant, according to GB News reporting. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revealed the figure to the Home Affairs Committee after her department previously rejected freedom of information transparency requests.

The government has faced mounting questions over the financial efficiency of the cross-Channel returns pilot. Since the scheme was launched last summer, approximately 1,400 individuals have been sent back across the Channel. Despite these removals, small boat crossings have continued, with trafficking gangs shifting launch sites in response to heightened enforcement.

Defending the Price Tag

Appearing before the Home Affairs Committee, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was pressed on whether the pilot represents value for money for British taxpayers. When questioned about the exact expense per removal, Ms Mahmood disclosed the £56,000 figure.

I think it’s per person for the numbers that have been returned so far, it’s about £56,000.

— Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, GB News

Defending the steep expenditure, the Home Secretary argued that the cost was comparable to other state-funded accommodation outlays. She maintained that the figure is still cheaper, or just about the same as supporting someone in a hotel for a year.

Key Facts of the Returns Scheme

• The one-in, one-out returns pilot with France was launched last summer.
• Approximately 1,400 migrants have been sent back to France under the arrangement.
• The Home Office initially rejected a GB News request to disclose financial details of the pilot.
• Cross-Channel arrivals persist as trafficking gangs adapt tactical launch locations.

As the pilot faces ongoing political scrutiny, lawmakers continue to examine whether bilateral returns can provide a sustainable long-term deterrent against illegal Channel crossings.

Original source: Read the full report at GB News