URGENT: Government Launches Emergency Probe into Asylum Seeker Taxi Bill Scandal

BREAKING NEWS: Government Launches Emergency Probe into Asylum Seeker Taxi Bill Scandal Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered an urgent review into the use and cost of taxis to transfer asylum seekers from their hotels to appointments, following a BBC investigation that revealed migrants are being charged hundreds of pounds for journeys. The review comes after one asylum seeker told the BBC he took a 250-mile journey to visit a GP, with the driver claiming the cost to the Home Office was £600. The government has admitted it does not keep figures on taxi travel costs for asylum seekers. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has backed the investigation, saying he is "not surprised" that the issue caught attention. Housing Minister Matthew Maycock previously described the need for taxis as "questionable". The review will aim to uncover the extent of the problem and identify ways to reduce costs. The Home Office has been criticized for not providing adequate transport options for asylum seekers. This is a developing story, with further updates expected in the coming hours and days. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*