Labour Govt Scraps Rwanda Asylum Scheme, Focuses on New Border Security Strategy

Following the recent election victory, newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the Labour Party has officially declared the cessation of the previous Conservative government’s controversial asylum policy involving Rwanda. In a press conference, Starmer firmly stated that the Rwanda scheme was ineffective, referring to it as a mere gimmick devoid of any deterrence.

The Supreme Court had previously deemed the scheme unlawful on human rights grounds, prompting Parliament’s approval in April to designate Rwanda as a ‘safe third country’. The implementation of the plan, which aimed to curb the influx of asylum seekers, faced intense scrutiny from rights activists and critics alike.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a staunch advocate of the plan to deport asylum seekers, faced backlash for the decision, with concerns raised regarding Rwanda’s human rights record and the potential risks faced by asylum seekers if sent back.

Agnes Callamard, the secretary-general of Amnesty International, urged the new Labour government to honor its pledge to abolish the Rwanda pact, emphasizing the importance of upholding international obligations and the rule of law in refugee policies.

As the government transitions, discussions on tackling the migration crisis are underway, with a focus on developing a comprehensive strategy. Starmer’s administration aims to introduce a new Border Security Command to address the criminal activities of smuggling gangs facilitating the Channel crossings.

Yvette Cooper, the appointed Home Secretary, outlined the establishment of the Border Security Command as one of the primary tasks under her purview, signaling a shift towards a more proactive approach in handling border security challenges.