Rishi Sunak denies doubting Rwanda plan when chancellor

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has denied he had doubts about the government's Rwanda policy when he was chancellor.

Documents seen by the BBC suggest that in March 2022 Mr Sunak had concerns about the cost of sending migrants to the African country.

The papers also indicate he was not sure the plan would stop people trying to cross the English Channel.

Speaking to BBC One's Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, Mr Sunak said that, as chancellor, he "scrutinised" all plans.

However, he said this did not mean he did not back the Rwanda policy, pointing out that he had funded the plan.

"Just because someone's asking tough questions doesn't mean that they don't believe in the proposal," he said.

Under the scheme, some migrants would be sent to Rwanda for processing and potentially resettlement.

The government has argued this would discourage people from trying to get to the UK in small boats.

The scheme was first announced in April 2022 when Boris Johnson was prime minister.