Home Office ministers and civil servants have been criticized for plans to spend nearly £4.5 million on electric car chargers, a decision coming under scrutiny as migrant arrivals continue via small boats. Approximately 250 migrants arrived on three boats on Monday, adding to the nearly 3,500 who have arrived since Prime Minister Andy Burnham took office about a month ago.
Critics argue that resources should be fully directed towards addressing the ongoing small boats crisis, rather than investing in "Net Zero gadgets" for Home Office buildings. This spending plan was revealed through a parliamentary question.
Home Office minister Sarah Jones stated that over £500,000 was spent on installing electric car chargers in the 2024/25 fiscal year. The department intends to increase this to £1 million this year and annually until 2029, potentially reaching a total earmarked spend of £4.4 million. Jones explained that the government aims to have all vehicles in the central government fleet be zero-emission by the end of 2027, which significantly impacts operational vehicles used by Immigration Enforcement, Border Force, and Border Security Command. The EV charging infrastructure is being installed at Home Office buildings to support this transition and includes costs for design, installation, and associated legal fees.
Opposition figures have strongly criticized the spending. Chris Philp, the Tories’ shadow home secretary, accused the current Home Office of being unable to control borders and of wasting time and money on charging points instead of focusing on the primary task of managing illegal immigration. He suggested leaving the European Convention on Human Rights as a means to expedite deportations. Richard Holden, the Conservatives’ shadow transport secretary, questioned why the Home Office is allocating millions for EV charging infrastructure while borders are under pressure, asserting that Conservative priorities would involve securing borders and public safety.
Recent weeks have seen an increase in the number of migrants arriving on larger vessels. One boat last week carried 230 migrants, surpassing the previous record of 165 migrants on July 23. Since July 2024, when Labour came to power, over 80,000 migrants have arrived on Channel small boats. The average number of migrants per vessel has more than doubled over five years, increasing from 28 in 2021 to nearly 70 so far this year. According to French maritime authorities, 15 boats carrying over 100 people and one carrying over 200 people have attempted crossings this year.
Labour has stated its focus is on disrupting smuggling gangs, a strategy initiated under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and has dismissed calls to leave the ECHR. Prime Minister Burnham has indicated a review of tactics to address the rise of large dinghies being used for crossings. The Home Office was contacted for comment.