Rwanda has declared Kigali has “no obligation” to repay money given to them for the migrant deportation deal.
Yolande Makolo, the Rwandan Government spokeswoman, said they would “consider” the refund if flights do not take off.
She was speaking after President Paul Kagame said he is willing to pay back some of the £240 million given to Kigali as part of the deal.
Rwandan Government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said the country has “no obligation” to return any of the funds paid but if the UK requests a refund “we will consider this” after president Paul Kagame suggested British taxpayers’ money could be repaid if the migrant deal failed.
She said in a statement: “The funds paid to Rwanda under the Migration and Economic Development Partnership are intended to both support Rwanda’s economic development, and to allow us to prepare to receive and care for the migrants when they arrive.
“Under the terms of the agreement, Rwanda has no obligation to return any of the funds paid. However, if no migrants come to Rwanda under the scheme, and the UK government wishes to request a refund of the portion of the funding allocated to support the migrants, we will consider this request.
“To talk about figures at this point is premature, as we are still awaiting the conclusion of the UK legislative process and remain committed to making the partnership work.”
