The announcement brings more bad news for Keir Starmer.
Keir Starmer has been dealt yet another blow (Image: Getty)
Keir Starmer was dealt another humiliating blow as GB News came to a sudden halt for a breaking alert. Presenters Andrew Pierce and Miriam Cates were joined by Christopher Hope, who revealed the government has been funding hotel stays and mental health support for some illegal migrants after they’ve been deported.
Miriam highlighted that GB News viewers will be pleased to learn that illegal immigrants are being deported, but was quick to point out: “Interesting that they’re still benefiting from taxpayers money after they’ve left the country.” Christopher agreed: “These people who shouldn’t be here – some of them are criminals – they are the responsibilities of the country they have left from. You’d have thought they park up, unload the aircraft and we take off again. But no. There’s a lot more to that.”
The presenter explained they discovered a contract titled, Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme, which runs for two years from April involving Algeria and Sri Lanka and costs approximately £1.8 million of taxpayers money.
In the contract, the government states it is seeking a company that can provide a five-day free hotel stay upon arrival in the third country, as well as support with mental health and job searching or setting up a business.
“Oh, help them set up a business as well? How fabulous. Are we going to give them a grant?” Andrew sarcastically remarked, before Miriam questioned whether it could be a trafficking business.
Christopher continued: “There’s also help with family tracing and reunification services, support with in-country redocumentation requirements, housing, health service, social service support, educational support, legal service support, financial service support, and if they’re worried about their mental health, mental health support.”
Andrew acknowledged that many viewers will be “screaming” at the television as Christopher pointed out: “This is more than many people might get from their local services in the country.”
Christopher Hope delivered further details on the breaking update on GB News (Image: GB News)
The government claimed it is furious about the scale of illegal migration and said this scheme plays a crucial part in negotiating returns with other countries.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are furious at the level of illegal immigration to this country. The Home Secretary has introduced sweeping reforms to the immigration system and to scale up removals of those who have no right to be here.
“Each asylum seeker has cost on average £30,000 per year in support. This scheme ensures migrants return to their home country, settle, and don’t re-enter the UK for a fraction of the price.”
The spokesperson claimed the scheme helps “reduce costs for UK taxpayers” while the government “intensifies” its enforcement action, adding that almost £50,000 illegal migrants have been removed since the election.
“Soft-touch Britain,” Andrew declared, while Christopher branded it “ridiculous,” citing the lack of services accessible to people in the UK.
