The most senior official at the British Home Office says the Rwanda removals policy might have slowed the flow of migrants across the English channel.
Matthew Rycroft told MPs that the number of crossings is higher than at the same point last year – but lower than the department’s projection.
“There is already possibly the beginnings of some deterrent effect visible,” Mr Rycroft told the home affairs select committee.
He also revealed that 47 people had originally been told they would take off on the flight that was arranged last week – and then cancelled, when legal challenges prevented the asylum seekers’ removal.