Fury as Home Office Blows £60k of Taxpayer Money on TVs and Video Games for Migrants!

The Home Office is facing heavy criticism after it was revealed that over £60,000 of taxpayers’ money has been spent on providing entertainment for migrants at the Manston processing centre in Kent.

According to a Freedom of Information request obtained by GB News, the money went towards installing televisions with satellite channels, video game consoles like PlayStations and Xboxes, and subscriptions to magazines and newspapers—all for individuals who typically stay at the centre for less than 48 hours before being moved to hotels or other accommodation.

Critics have described the spending as a “shocking waste of public money.” A senior security source told GB News that the move makes the UK look like a “soft touch” and rewards what they see as illegal behaviour. They pointed out that many of these migrants have endured tough conditions—living in tents for months—only to be welcomed with what some consider luxury entertainment upon arrival.

Former Chief Executive of Border Force, Tony Smith, said it sends the wrong message. He warned that it will only fuel more illegal crossings by encouraging the idea that once someone reaches the UK, they’ll be well taken care of. Smith also noted that during his time in office, illegal entrants were held in detention and placed in fast-track asylum systems with an aim to remove them quickly—not given comforts that might make the journey seem worth the risk.

The breakdown of the spending shows just under £12,000 per year was spent on TVs, while more than £15,000 went towards video game consoles. The rest was used for magazine and newspaper subscriptions, all adding up to over £60,000.

With over 12,600 people having crossed the Channel so far this year—up 40% from last year—many are questioning the UK’s approach. Another security source said that if the government feels the need to use entertainment as a way to prevent unrest from people who will only stay a couple of days, then it raises serious questions about who is being let into the country.

As public concern grows over the rising number of crossings and the way arrivals are being handled, GB News has reached out to the Home Office for a response to the backlash.