Channel crossings scheme costs ‘could top £9bn in three years’

Charity says more than 250,000 asylum claims may be ruled inadmissible under illegal migration bill

The cost of detaining and accommodating people under the UK government's controversial plans to tackle Channel crossings could amount to more than 9bn in the first three years, according to a refugee charity.

More than 250,000 people, including up to 45,000 children, could have their asylum claims deemed inadmissible under the illegal migration bill in that time, the Refugee Council said.