LONDON: Britain’s newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer has scrapped a controversial deportation plan that would see migrants who arrived in the UK illegally sent to Rwanda on his first day on the job, the Telegraph reported, citing Labour sources, calling the plan “effectively dead.”
The plan, which was a part of the previous Conservative government’s strategy to address asylum seekers crossing the English Channel, has been described by Starmer’s Labour party as “effectively dead” under the new administration. This decision fulfills one of Starmer’s key pledges during his campaign to overturn Conservative immigration policies that he argued were inhumane and impractical.
Standing outside his official residence at 10 Downing Street, Starmer addressed the nation, acknowledging the challenges ahead following Labour’s landslide victory in the parliamentary election. He emphasized the need to restore trust in politics and to govern with integrity, promising a government that puts the interests of the country first.
“This lack of trust can only be healed by actions, not words. I know that,” Starmer said.
The election results were a stunning rebuke to the Conservative Party, which suffered historic losses, prompting the resignation of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Labour secured over 410 seats in the 650-seat parliament, while the Conservatives lost 250 lawmakers, including senior ministers and party stalwarts.
Starmer’s message focused on unity and rebuilding, promising a government that listens to the concerns of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
“To the country, I would like to say first and foremost I am sorry,” Sunak said outside Downing Street, adding he would stay as Conservative leader until the party was ready to appoint his replacement.
