'We can return money'

RWANDA'S President said it was the "UK's problem" that asylum seekers had not been sent to the country and suggested British taxpayers' money could be repaid if the deal failed.

Asked by the BBC if the UK's plan was working and if Rwanda was a safe country for refugees as he attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Paul Kagame said: "It's the UK's problem, not Rwanda's problem."

"If they don't come, we can return the money," the president added.

Some £240 million has already been committed to the Rwanda plan, with a further £50 million earmarked for next year.

Senior Home Office officials have so far refused to say how much more money the UK has already agreed to pay Rwanda under the initial five-year deal, when questioned by MPs.