In a recent statement, Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, expressed openness to the idea of processing asylum seekers abroad, while simultaneously pledging to scrap the controversial Rwanda scheme. Starmer referred to the Rwanda plan as a "gimmick" but stated that he would be willing to explore any viable solutions to address immigration issues if his party comes into power.

Starmer Criticizes Tory MPs and Outlines Practical Approaches

While Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced challenges in garnering support for his Rwanda Bill, Keir Starmer delivered a speech outlining his vision for Britain in Milton Keynes. He accused Conservative MPs of being caught up in an "indulgent vortex" of infighting and promised to adopt "practical" methods to tackle problems like small boat crossings and human smuggling.

Starmer drew on his experience as the Director of Public Prosecutions, emphasizing his previous efforts to combat terrorism and human trafficking. He then proceeded to criticize Rishi Sunak's Rwanda legislation, asserting that his party opposes the scheme due to its ineffectiveness, high cost, and misalignment with Labour's values.

Exploring Alternatives to the Rwanda Plan

During a Q&A session, Starmer indicated that he would consider implementing a third-country asylum offshoring scheme, distinguishing it from the Rwanda plan. He explained that there are various schemes worldwide where individuals are processed while en route to their destination country. These schemes differ from the Rwanda plan, which focuses on deporting asylum seekers who have already arrived in the UK.

Starmer stated, "I'll look at any scheme that might work." He also confirmed that if the Labour Party assumes government, they would abandon the Rwanda scheme. The speech coincided with the four-year anniversary of the 2019 general election.

Tory Party Chairman Criticizes Starmer's Stance

Reacting to Starmer's comments, Richard Holden, the chairman of the Conservative Party, dismissed them as "empty drivel" and criticized the Labour Party's lack of coherence regarding immigration policy.