“We are going to cancel the plan. We think this move will not work and we think it will cost a fortune,” he told reporters in a speech on immigration in Dover, southern England, in which he blamed the government. They are wasting money.
“An effort to allow only a few hundred people a year to evacuate to Rwanda, less than 1% of the people who cross the sea in boats annually. [um custo de] “It's not an effective deterrent or a good way to spend £600m (about €700m) of money,” he argued.
Starmer said he wanted to redirect funding to a new unit that would bring together security agencies, including the UK's main border and secret services.
According to the Labor leader, it will be “an elite power, not Cinderella”, and its aim is to make the United Kingdom “hostile territory” for these networks, which organize dangerous crossings of the English Channel in small boats.
The plan includes better cooperation with international agencies, notably Europol, and toughening prison sentences for members of these organized groups, as well as strengthening the effectiveness of the UK system for treating asylum seekers.
The former attorney general for justice also criticized calls by Conservative MPs such as former home secretary Suella Braverman for the UK to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.
“I think it's a mistake to think there's a problem with international instruments,” Starmer insisted.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made the fight against illegal immigration one of his priorities, strengthening measures to encourage arrivals, particularly with plans to deport migrants to Rwanda.
According to official figures, more than 8,400 people have arrived in the UK in small boats since the start of the year, marking a sharp increase on the same period last year.
In an effort to discourage migrants, the British government made any asylum application submitted after arriving in the country illegally inadmissible and in April, parliament approved a controversial plan to deport migrants to Rwanda.
The flights are expected to take off from July, a few months ahead of the next legislative elections scheduled for later this year.
Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.