Keir Starmer has pledged to “replace gimmicks with graft” by scrapping the Rwanda scheme to partly fund a new “elite” border unit as he set out his plans to stop small boats crossing the Channel.
In a speech at Dover, the Labour leader has set out plans to use new counter-terrorism powers to tackle people-smuggling gangs and accuse the Conservatives of operating a “Travelodge amnesty” by housing asylum-seekers in hotels rather than processing their claims.
It comes after his shadow health secretary claimed more Tory MPs were considering defecting to Labour because of “division and incompetence” in Rishi Sunak’s government, claiming to have spoken to others “who are wrestling with their future”.
But Wes Streeting insisted his party would not take just any Tory MP, as unrest grew among Labour ranks over its acceptance of Natalie Elphicke, long considered to be on the right wing of the Conservatives, who apologised on Thursday for defending her ex-husband after he was found guilty of sexual assault.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir is facing calls to let MP Diane Abbott back into Labour.
On returning to countries of origin
Starmer says: “It is perfectly possible possible to return people to the country of origin rather than the EU.”
But he clarifies Labour will not be returning to the European Union.
Salma Ouaguira10 May 2024 10:51
Deal with the Taliban?
A reporter from the Exrpress asks about whether Keir Starmer will be working with the Taliban.
Poeple who came from Afghanistan are escaping from the Taliban to “find safety”, Starmer responds.
He adds:“But we shouldn’t overestimate the difficulty here.”
Salma Ouaguira10 May 2024 10:50
Watch: Government’s ‘failed’ asylum system offers false hope to migrants, says Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer said the UK’s failed asylum system has turned refugee camps into a “job-centre for modern slavery” as he outlined Labour’s plan to stop small boat crossings on Friday 10 May.
The Labour leader delivered a speech on the Kent coast in which he attacked the government’s current approach as “rank incompetence” and dismissed the Rwanda scheme.
Sir Keir also recalled a visit to a refugee camp on the outskirts of Calais in 2016 and described the situation as a “monumental failure”.
“People had been brutally let down,” he said.
“Not just in terms of the truly awful conditions but also because the failure of our asylum system had encouraged a false hope.”
Salma Ouaguira10 May 2024 10:46
‘I’m not going to flog a dead horse’, Starmer says
If he wasn’t clear enough, Starmer vows the Rwanda scheme will be totally scrapped.
He says it is a gimmick that costs tax payers millions.
Salma Ouaguira10 May 2024 10:43
Nigel Farage joining Labour?
Sir Keir Starmer denies Nigel Farage joining the Labour Party.
With Westminster just recovering from the lates defection, that would be the last straw for Labour MPs already furious about Elphicke joining.
Salma Ouaguira10 May 2024 10:40
Starmer says Rwanda bill is an ‘insult to anyone’s intelligence’
He said: “A scheme that will remove less than 1% of arrivals from small boat crossings a year can not and never will be an effective deterrent.
“It’s an insult to anyone’s intelligence and the gangs that run this sick trade are not easily fooled.”
Tom Barnes10 May 2024 10:38
The Labour leader is taking questions from the press
Starmer is asked about not recreating the Rwanda scheme.
He replies it is not “compassionate” to allow those perilous journeys.
He vows to tackle people smugglers as his top priority.
He adds: “We will scrap the Rwanda scheme, It is not going to work, it is an absolute waste of money.”
Salma Ouaguira10 May 2024 10:36
‘An end to the chaos,’ Starmer vows
Concluding the speech, Starmer says: “No more gimmicks.
“The character of politics will change and through that, we will deliver higher growth, safer streets, an NHS back on its feet, more opportunity in your community, cheaper bills in your home, and secure borders for our nation.
“An asylum system – rebuilt. The criminal gangs – smashed. The exploitation of some of the most vulnerable people in the world – prevented. An end to the chaos. A turning of the page. A politics returned to service, and a careful, patient, determined renewal of our country with Labour. “That is the future you can choose. That is what serious government can deliver.”
Salma Ouaguira10 May 2024 10:33
‘Politics will change,’ Starmer says
Starmer promises to turn the tables and improve the status quo if he gets the keys of Downing Street.
Addressing voters he says: “If I am elected to serve this country, if I earn that privilege, I will turn the page on Westminster’s ‘talk tough do nothing culture’”
Salma Ouaguira10 May 2024 10:32
‘Politics of practical solutions’
Starmer says: “A question: can you prioritise, at all times, the politics of practical solutions, and can you reject the politics of performative symbols, the gimmicks and gestures.
“This is the story of what has happened to the Government, the explanation of how a party that cares about illegal migration – there’s no doubt about that – finds itself with a record of failure as total and stark as this.”
Salma Ouaguira10 May 2024 10:30
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