Migrants are still arriving in the UK by boat, as shown in a photo from Getty Images. Since 2020, the UK has spent over £6 billion on costs related to asylum seekers and refugees. This includes housing, support, and even furniture. A politician from Reform UK, Rupert Lowe, shared this information, revealing that £800,000 was spent just on furniture for refugees.
Rupert Lowe, a Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth, recently investigated how much money has been spent on asylum and refugee services. He found that private companies, government departments, local councils, and even the NHS have spent at least £6.6 billion since 2020. This money was used for over 200 different contracts, which he called “crazy” or “bonkers.”
Lowe provided some examples of how the money was used. For instance, £634,182 was spent on a program to help migrants living in the UK without permission to stay. According to Lowe, only 84 migrants participated in this program. Another £800,000 was spent on furniture for refugee housing, and £2.5 million was spent on an online system to help vulnerable migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in Kirklees.
Lowe expressed strong concern about this spending, saying there is much more like it that needs to be investigated. He emphasized, “This is YOUR money,” referring to taxpayers’ money. He believes the UK urgently needs a new department, similar to one in the United States, to improve government efficiency and stop this kind of spending.
A report from *The Telegraph* added that asylum seekers and refugees are being provided with yoga classes, circus classes, tickets to sports events, and even PlayStation consoles, all paid for by public money. For example, a local council in West Sussex spent over £800 on yoga sessions and PlayStation games for asylum seekers.
Lowe criticized this spending harshly, calling it “pure insanity.” He questioned what message this sends to people who want to come to the UK. He argued that asylum seekers should not receive items like computer games, driving lessons, phones, or laptops. Instead, he suggested they should be given a one-way plane ticket out of the UK.
Lowe is part of Reform UK, a political party led by Nigel Farage. At a recent rally, Lowe spoke out against diversity programs and asylum seekers. Farage, however, tried to tone down the strong opinions and make the event less intense. The article raises the question of whether the party’s strong stance will last.
