In a significant policy shift, Britain’s newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his intention to scrap the contentious proposal to send thousands of asylum seekers to Rwanda.
This move marks a departure from the previous Conservative government’s plan, unveiled in 2022, aimed at curbing the influx of unauthorized migrants arriving by small boats.
At his inaugural press briefing, Starmer unequivocally stated, “The Rwanda scheme was dead and buried before it started. It’s never been a deterrent.”
READ MORE: Tunisia Plans To Hold Presidential Election October 6th 2024
He further emphasized, “I’m not prepared to continue with gimmicks that don’t act as a deterrent.” Starmer’s decision comes on the heels of his party’s decisive electoral victory, which saw him secure one of the largest parliamentary majorities in modern British history.
The abandoned plan had faced numerous legal challenges, resulting in its inability to be implemented. Starmer’s scrapping of the policy is seen as a pragmatic move, acknowledging its limited effectiveness in addressing the complex issue of asylum seekers.
With this decision, Starmer signals a shift towards more comprehensive and effective solutions, departing from what he termed “gimmicks.” As he navigates the challenges of his new role, including revitalizing public services and boosting a weak economy, Starmer’s approach to asylum seeker policy will be closely watched.
