Shadow home secretary James Cleverly (Image: PA)

       James Cleverly suggested racism was behind Labour's decision to scrap the Rwanda deportation deal.

       The shadow home secretary accused Sir Keir Starmer's party of a "below-the-salt disdainful attitude to African countries".

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Link Sponsored Link

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       SUV Deals | Search Ads

       See Why Americans are Switching To The New Small SUV (The Prices Might Surprise)SUV Deals | Search Ads

       Undo

       The Conservative frontbencher claimed Labour did not have the "good grace" to contact the Rwandan government directly to tell them they were ditching the agreement and they "had to read about it in the British press".

       Mr Cleverly told Times Radio: "This is a diplomatic discourtesy of the most extreme kind and would never have happened had this relationship been with a European country. I have no doubt about that.

       "So this disdainful attitude to the Rwandan people and the Rwandan government is disgusting."

       Sponsored

       SUV Deals | Search Ads

       SUV Deals | Search Ads2024 Senior SUV Is A True Head Turner (You'll Love The Price)

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Don't miss... Fury erupts over Labour 'amnesty' for 90,000 illegal migrants [LATEST]

       Pressed on if it was racist, Mr Cleverly added: "You and I both know that this would never have happened like this had it been with a European country.

       "It's because there is a below-the-salt disdainful attitude to African countries, and the Rwandan government, in a continent which is synonymous for challenges and problems, the Rwandan government was seeking to be a solution, a partner in what is an incredibly challenging global issue.

       "And for their efforts, they have been slated by Labour voices."

       Mr Cleverly also questioned figures from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper that the deal to send Channel migrants on a one-way ticket to Kigali cost Britain ￡700 million.

       He said: "The figures that she quoted, both the current cost and the projected cost, are totally, totally new to me. And I was running the department until a couple of weeks ago.

       Trending

       "Well, look, the fact is that the figures she put, and I'm very, very suspicious when people put nice round numbers because it does rather look as if those numbers are plucked out of the air... a number of the costs that she quoted at the dispatch box have been incurred because she has cancelled the agreement.

       "So her cancelling the agreement, incurring costs that can't be recovered, and then blaming me for her decision, I think is a bit rich."

       DON'T MISS

       Powered by

       Outrage as Labour make 'crazy move' in plot to bring UK closer to EU

       1133 Comments

       senior suv

       Seniors Under 85: Drive Away with These SUVs for Under $10k (Unbeatable Deals Await)senior suv

       Undo

       by Taboola by Taboola

       Sponsored Links Sponsored Links

       Promoted Links Promoted Links

       Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed his administration was axing the plan after winning the election, as pledged during the campaign.

       But the Tories have insisted the scheme, which was beset by legal challenges, is necessary to deter dangerous small boat Channel crossings.

       Labour was contacted for comment.

       Related articles Labour accused of splurging cash already over true cost of scrapping Rwanda plan Labour to fast-track asylum in Britain for 90,000 Rwanda migrants We are sleepwalking into a nightmare of small boats crossings this summer.

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy