POLITICS

Falklands was suggested as Rwanda back-up for migrants by Home Office

Matt Dathan
, Home Affairs Editor
The Times
The Foreign Office “fiercely opposed” the use of the Falkland Islands for deportations over likely public opposition, given that 255 British servicemen died during the war in 1982
The Foreign Office “fiercely opposed” the use of the Falkland Islands for deportations over likely public opposition, given that 255 British servicemen died during the war in 1982
VAU902/GETTY IMAGES
Matt Dathan
, Home Affairs Editor
The Times

Rishi Sunak rejected Home Office proposals to deport migrants to the Falkland Islands as a back-up to the Rwanda policy, The Times can reveal.

A government source said the department conducted “extensive work” this year on using the British overseas territory as part of contingency planning.

Using the Falklands, which are some 8,000 miles from Britain in the South Atlantic, was also considered alongside the Rwanda policy. Under this option, the islands would have been used before a permanent destination was found, such as Rwanda.

Rishi Sunak has been described by a government source as “a man in a hurry” over his attempts to revive the Rwanda policy
Rishi Sunak has been described by a government source as “a man in a hurry” over his attempts to revive the Rwanda policy
DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGES

However, the location was dismissed by No 10 and the Foreign Office after the Home Office submitted plans that would have led to only 30 migrants being deported in a six to 12-month pilot. The prime minister is understood