Donald Trump could repurpose Rwandan accommodation paid for by British taxpayers to house migrants deported by the United States. The Rwanda scheme was a Tory initiative that became mired in legal challenges meaning that not one single enforced removal took place, despite costing hundreds of millions of pounds.

The scheme was scrapped by Keir Starmer immediately upon taking office, with money instead diverted to his efforts to “stop the gangs” with the creation of a new Border Security Command. But the United States could be set to become the main benefactor of British investment in the scheme, with Rwanda identified as a location which could join a list of “third countries” which has already seen enforced removals to El Salvador. Speaking of the plan to use facilities built with British money, a top Rwandan official told the Telegraph: “Those are details that will be discussed at an appropriate time.”

The UK Government paid Rwanda £290 million in a scheme that saw only four migrants moved to the country, all of whom did so voluntarily.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has consistently criticised the failed scheme, which is believed to have cost the UK taxpayer £700 million in total.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has defended the scheme, claiming that the UK needs a credible deterrence to combat crossings over the Channel.

He said: “Labour is failing abysmally to combat the Channel crossings. They scrapped the Rwanda deterrent before it had even started.

“As a result, since the election, crossings are up 50% compared to the 4 months before and up 15% compared to the same period last year.

“Starmer is personally responsible for this catastrophe – he is the one who cancelled Rwanda before it had even started.”

He added to the Telegraph: ““In 2025 he has so far presided over the highest number of illegal migrants crossing the Channel ever. The US has the right idea. We should restart our removals scheme immediately for illegal immigrants.

“If it turns out the USA is using the hotels we paid for, that will simply underline Starmer’s stupidity.”

Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s foreign affairs minister, confirmed that the country was in “early stages” of discussion with the Untied States about a migrant deal, following a statement by US secretary of state Marco Rubio who said the US was looking for countries to take in “some of the most despicable human beings”.

Speaking on local television, Mr Nduhungirehe said: “This aligns with our broader policy of offering second chances to migrants facing challenges in various parts of the world.

“Similar to our previous engagements with the United Kingdom and Libya, Rwanda remains committed to providing humane and dignified solutions. While the talks are at an advanced stage, they are still ongoing, and we will provide updates as developments unfold.”