UK Government spends £80m on Home Office legal battles in 2023

In 2023, the UK Government allocated over £79 million to combat legal challenges against the Home Office, surpassing the total spent in the previous three years combined. This expenditure was revealed through a Freedom of Information Request by the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London. The significant increase in legal costs reflects a growing number of judicial reviews, driven by controversial policies such as the Rwanda deportation scheme and the Nationality and Borders Act. Nick Beales from RAMFEL noted that the Home Office's determination to defend its decisions indicates a refusal to concede in legal battles, which has led to heightened litigation. Jo Wilding, a barrister specializing in migration, pointed out that the Home Office's practices, including delays and poor administration, have contributed to the rise in legal challenges. A spokesperson for the Home Office attributed these costs to decisions made by the previous administration, emphasizing the need to maintain a firm immigration system. The current Labour Government has since scrapped the Rwanda policy, labeling it ineffective, and has initiated measures to address small boat crossings and smuggling. The increase in legal spending also highlights a breakdown in communication between the government and the immigration sector, with Beales suggesting that litigation became the only avenue for stakeholders to voice their concerns. The findings underscore the financial implications of the government's approach to immigration and the ongoing challenges faced by the Home Office.