A recent investigation by Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has revealed that more than £6 billion has been spent on asylum and refugee costs in Britain since 2020. The astonishing figures, uncovered by Lowe during his self-described “digging” on social media platform X, indicate that spending on these issues has ballooned into a vast network of over 200 contracts across government departments, councils, the NHS, and various private organizations.
Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth in the House of Commons and is part of Nigel Farage’s team, claims that the expenditure is so excessive it calls for the urgent establishment of a British version of the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to the MP, the totals he discovered reached at least £6.6 billion, and he has been vocal in denouncing what he describes as “bonkers” spending practices, according to the Express.
Among the various contracts highlighted by Lowe is one valued at £634,182 for a service aimed at “Support Migrants Currently Living in the Community Who Do Not Have Permission to Live in the UK.” The MP revealed further details, stating, “I asked the Home Office about this – 84 migrants participated.” This figure is just one example of a broader pattern of spending that Lowe believes warrants comprehensive public scrutiny.
In addition to the aforementioned contract, Lowe noted an £800,000 deal for “Furnishings for Refugee Resettlement” and a £2,500,000 payment for the creation of an “Electronic Market Place for Kirklees Welcomes Assisting Vulnerable Migrants, Asylum Seekers and Refugees.” He stressed that these figures represent only a fraction of the total expenditure on asylum and refugee costs since 2020, adding, “There is so, so much more… It must ALL be uncovered. This is YOUR money. UK @DOGE needed, URGENTLY.”
These revelations come on the heels of reports by the Telegraph which highlighted further controversies. The paper disclosed that asylum seekers and refugees in some areas are being offered amenities such as yoga classes, circus sessions, tickets to sports matches, and even PlayStation consoles and games. In one notable case, the Conservative-run West Sussex Council was reported to have spent over £800 on yoga sessions and PlayStation equipment for asylum seekers.
Lowe did not hesitate to criticize local authorities for what he deems wasteful spending. He lambasted the outlay, stating, “It is pure insanity. What message does this send to the millions looking to make the journey? No computer games, driving lessons, phones, laptops, or whatever else. They should receive a one-way plane ticket.” His scathing comments underline a broader debate about the appropriate use of public funds, especially when these funds are intended to support those in need.
As discussions over the management and accountability of asylum and refugee spending continue, Lowe’s findings are likely to fuel further calls for transparency and efficiency within the government’s approach to managing public money.
