Keir Starmer, leader of the UK's Labour Party, has announced a comprehensive plan to address the ongoing small boat crossings crisis in a speech in Dover set for Friday. The plan includes scrapping the Conservative government's controversial Rwanda scheme and reallocating its £75m budget towards enhancing border security. Starmer has pledged to establish a 'Border Security Command,' which will integrate resources from various security agencies, including MI5, to dismantle smuggling networks. This new unit will also employ counter-terrorism strategies to combat people smuggling. The Labour leader criticized the current government's approach as ineffective and expensive, promising a more robust and integrated system under his potential leadership.
Good to be out this morning talking about @UKLabour’s new measures to tackle the Tory small boats crisis. As @Keir_Starmer said, we will stop the chaos, smash the criminal gangs, bust the backlogs and rebuild our broken asylum system. https://t.co/382o6RhQdh
Labour leader @Keir_Starmer is asked by Sky's @BethRigby whether he would cancel all flights to Rwanda from "day one" if Labour wins the general election... Full story ⬇️ https://t.co/FyyNtsYl9J https://t.co/qcd4ESCQpc
Starmer's plan to stop boats sounds like something out of James Bond https://t.co/g4CfVRx4fO via @MailOnline
Labour government would halt Rwanda deportations from day one, Starmer says https://t.co/y7fJgRI9OD
🔴 Labour leader pledges to ‘dramatically reduce’ small boat crossings by cracking down on people smugglers Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/U0gtVSjLhd https://t.co/JOZFaLzxao
WATCH: Starmer commits to stopping planes to Rwanda from day 1 of a Labour govt. Defends Elphicke defection. Says he’s “ruthless” in his pursuit of a Lab govt. Illegal migration a battleground now with definition & distinction By @ShonaSomerville Georgia Barnett, Alex & Charlie https://t.co/t7sa1cmllm
Last week in Harlow, Starmer told me he’d scrap the Rwanda scheme but dodged on Q of whether he’d stop the flights from day one. Today, he answered. No flights at all under a Lab govt https://t.co/hnH8Nz5vTg
An asylum system – rebuilt. The criminal gangs – smashed. The exploitation of some of the most vulnerable people in the world – prevented. That is the future you can choose. That is what my mission-driven Labour government will deliver. No gimmicks. Just graft. https://t.co/Uwd6nJbhmS
Starmer will cancel all Rwanda flights on first day in power @ChaplainChloe and @LeoCendro report https://t.co/LtVUhDAX6N
"Would you increase the number of safe routes?" Keir Starmer: "I don't think safe routes is the answer to the vile trade that's being run to put people into small boats" https://t.co/FsWpjJNz14
Sir Keir Starmer told ITV News safe passages are not the answer to tackling the small boats crisis as he doubled down on commitments to scrap the 'gimmick' money-wasting Rwanda policy https://t.co/H0AzUDtEin
I also pressed Keir Starmer on - what if - the Rwanda scheme is acting as a deterrent? What if he gets elected and it is working to stop people making those crossings? He made clear that, in any situation, he would scrap it.
Labour leader Keir Starmer vows to scrap Rwanda asylum scheme "straight away" if he wins election https://t.co/tAdhh7E4aS
Today Keir Starmer pledged to tackle the issue of illegal migration, in particular the small boats coming across the channel. He outlined Labour's plans to use counter-terror powers to break up the gangs behind the crossings.
Keir Starmer vows to scrap Rwanda scheme on first day as PM as he blasts 'absolute waste of money' https://t.co/gs4BoNgLC9
'You cannot be soft with people who are illegally entering this country, but you have to have an asylum system to work out who is who.' @ShelaghFogarty shares her thoughts after Keir Starmer set out Labour's plan to tackle small boats. https://t.co/zwHcMyFaDO
Former Head of Counter Terror policing, Neil Basu knows what it takes to protect national security. Now he’s backing Labour’s plan to protect our borders —with a new Border Security Command and tough counter terror powers to smash criminal smuggling gangs.https://t.co/lY6HCO8B9h
Serious talk time: The Rwanda scheme is ludicrously expensive, heartless & above all useless. Labour will smash the evil gangs, help those in need & control our borders. A functioning immigration system, not an attention seeking façade. https://t.co/IGLalU3YtH
“Sir Keir said he will make Britain’s shores a hostile territory for people smuggling gangs.” Ian Collins asks: “Will Keir Starmer stop the boats?” @iancollinsuk https://t.co/yKt5jVxOEH
No more gimmicks. Labour will stop the chaos. Labour will bust the backlogs. Labour will rebuild our broken asylum system. https://t.co/uKVyMzdDbV
Starmer pledged a Labour Government will scrap the 'gimmick' money-wasting Rwanda policy and issued a direct warning to smuggling gangs: 'These shores will become hostile territory for you – we will find you' So, what is Labour's asylum plan? Read more: https://t.co/H0AzUDtEin
“What’s needed is a radical new law enforcement approach – with stronger leadership, extra resources & a more coherent structure to protect our borders.” Former Counter-Terror Chief Neil Basu welcomes Labour’s plan to boost Britain’s border security https://t.co/H2P5FwKMBc https://t.co/ZkJSKtMU1D
Rwanda policy will be scrapped 'straight away', Starmer says as Labour leader bats away Natalie Elphicke backlash https://t.co/bb3qh18PWO
.@Keir_Starmer declined to commit to “stopping the boats” as he set out his party’s plans to tackle cross-Channel migration ✍️: @cjmckeon https://t.co/oBgQWhhnYF
Dangerous boat crossings undermine our border security & put lives at risk. Labour will set up a new Border Security Command with new counter terror style powers, specialist investigators & cross-border police to smash criminal smuggler & trafficking gangs. https://t.co/Uoxym0YhqI
Britain's main opposition Labour party on Friday pledged to scrap the Conservative government's flagship Rwanda scheme if it comes to power, replacing it with a tougher more joined-up approach to tackling irregular migration. https://t.co/JDko8v2azV
The Labour Party will secure the border under Keir Starmer, using a Border Command, including MI5. My speech today. #securetheborder #Immigration #Tapp24 #Dover #Deal https://t.co/PE7vUT4s5v https://t.co/CjuGhkeKbW
'We will end this farce, we will restore serious government to our borders, tackle this problem at source, and replace the Rwanda policy permanently' @Keir_Starmer sets out how a Labour Government would 'smash' criminal smuggling gangs using counter-terror powers https://t.co/jRXfWMflgs
Sky's Political Editor @BethRigby reacts to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's plan to tackle small boat crossings👇 Read more: https://t.co/OLdGYKNMGP 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/Sx8ckyOnjU
🚨 NEW: Keir Starmer wants to establish a new 'Border Security Command' to deter small boat crossings [@Telegraph]
"We are going to get rid of the policy straight away. I am not going to continue a policy that is expensive and doesn't work" Very good to hear @Keir_Starmer state unequivocally that he will ditch a flawed asylum policy simply pumping money into the pocket of Rwanda's dictator
Keir Starmer sets out new plan to tackle small boat crossings https://t.co/o9N1UMFprF
'The smuggling business remains. The exploitation remains. Our asylum system must be rebuilt, these borders must be secured.' Labour Leader @Keir_Starmer speaks about securing the UK's borders in the face of people smugglers https://t.co/nicvNGZ40e 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/Niysv0J3Pi
Sky's Political Editor @BethRigby asks Sir Keir Starmer what his target is for small boat crossings by the end of 2026 if he is prime minister. The labour leader doesn't give a number but says he wants to reduce the figure "materially". https://t.co/UlTOcqkgUp 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/VBJXiKZgQR
'The smuggling business remains. The exploitation remains. Our asylum system must be rebuilt, these borders must be secured.' Labour Leader @Keir_Starmer speaks about securing the UK's borders in the face of people smugglers https://t.co/nicvNGZ40e 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602,… https://t.co/GkziDUUeWk
"We will restore serious government to our borders, tackle this problem at source, and replace the Rwanda policy permanently" Labour leader Keir Starmer launches his party's pledge to establish a new "Border Security Command" to target people smugglers https://t.co/K8EEFw8cxf https://t.co/AJBGIHh60l
BREAKING: Labour would scrap Rwanda migrant scheme and set up 'elite' force to tackle small boat crossings https://t.co/Co1bPb1j2q
Asked Starmer if he will stop the planes from day one: “We will scrap the Rwanda scheme. I said that to you when we last met last week…that means ending the scheme. Absolutely. Flights and all. It is not going to work. It is an absolute waste of money. It is a gimmick, not a…
Keir Starmer has been asked twice- what is his actual target on small boats- and will Rwanda flights stop on day 1 of a Labour government - says wants to bring numbers right down- would like it to stop- but doesn’t commit to that.
Media questions Beth Rigby (Sky) 1. Crossings 30k/year? What would they be by 2026 if Starmer's plan works 2. Will he stop Rwanda flights from day one 1. "We have got to get those numbers down materially" "Question is how we do it" - focus on gangs 2. Will stop [not day one]
Keir Starmer's small boats speech includes this bigger message, one key to understanding his leadership - stopping 'sticking plaster' politics Starmer says near end: "I'll turn the page on Westminster talk tough, do nothing culture. Not just on small boats, not just on..." 1/2
Keir Starmer ignores Labour fury as he parades Tory defector Natalie Elphicke at event in Dover to push plan to deploy MI5 to tackle Channel boats crisis https://t.co/LuvY13Wvre https://t.co/IUp6o9G3JU
When Keir Starmer talks about illegal migration, this is who he wants to be the Home Secretary. This is who he would put in charge of stopping the boats… https://t.co/iHOvdFTxG9
'It is significant to be here with Natalie Elphicke, who as Dover's MP has seen the consequences of dangerous boat crossings.' @YvetteCooperMP adds 'she has concluded that Sunak's approach is not working and is supporting Labour's approach' https://t.co/nicvNGZ40e 📺Sky 501 https://t.co/zTVEfceF9B
New Labour MP Natalie Elphicke introducing Keir Starmer in Deal, accusing Rishi Sunak of failing on small boats and saying he can't be trusted to fix the issue https://t.co/xY0aMUkVy4
'Small boat crossings is one of the greatest challenges we face' Sir Keir Starmer describes people crossing the Channel as a 'vile trade that preys on the desperation and hope it finds in its victims' https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/VoBuyGaSb6
Starmer: “This is my message to the smugglers. These shores will become hostile territory for you. We will find you, we will stop you, we will protect your victims, and with Border Security Command, we will secure Britain’s borders”
MI5 spies will be deployed to thwart small boat gang ‘terrorists’, says Sir Keir Starmer https://t.co/vk1E9FwZje
Starmer announces new Border Security Command, with new powers & resources ‘based on a counter-terrorism approach that we know works’ Says it will bring together 100s of specialist investigator from NCA, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement, CPS and MI5
In a speech on Labour's small boats policy in Dover, Keir Starmer says he has no doubt the government will manage to get Rwanda flights off the ground. But he argues it won't work to deter migrant crossings.
Starmer: Criticises Tories for “gesture politics” re the small boats. “These gangs must be stopped, our asylum system must be rebuilt, our borders must be secured.” Says to do that must “move on from an unhealthy interest in gesture politics that has long defined this policy…
"It's clear that Rishi Sunak has failed to keep our borders secure" Ex-Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke accused the PM of failing on small boats when she left the Tories at midday on Wednesday. She is now putting her backing behind Labour. https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/qPZmN9igl9
Keir Starmer risks inflaming Labour fury with speech 'alongside Tory defector Natalie Elphicke' in Dover TODAY as he pushes plan to deploy MI5 to tackle Channel boats crisis https://t.co/ip8OTyF9rM https://t.co/YIbob58nnz
🗣️ Sir Keir Starmer is unveiling the Labour Party’s plan to tackle the small boats crisis if it wins the general election. You can watch the livestream directly on our app👇https://t.co/rILtHRTiVK https://t.co/bDm8yIMFuo
Dover MP Natalie Elphicke introduces Sir Keir Starmer at a major speech on border security in her constituency. She says ‘no where is Rishi Sunak’s lack of delivery clearer’ than on his failure to tackle the small boats challenge https://t.co/n6d5Jgz2vd
What is Labour's new plan to stop small boat crossings? Labour's shadow home secretary @YvetteCooperMP tells Sky's @WilfredFrost about the Border Security Command👇 https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/oMwrJVY0O1
Watch live: Keir Starmer outlines Labour's small boats policy 👇 https://t.co/CrZKAMEmC7
Natalie Elphicke takes the stage in Deal for the first time since becoming a Labour MP Keir Starmer will speak shortly on Labour's plan to tackle Channel crossings https://t.co/FgSi1Udz49
Watch live as @Keir_Starmer gives a speech on small boats and pledges to end the @Conservatives' ‘talk tough, do nothing culture’ on the topic https://t.co/Y4R9t4gw5y
So Labour’s “plan” is to: 🤷♂️ Rename a policy the Government launched last year 🤷♂️ Scrap Rwanda and remove all deterrents 🤷♂️ Offer amnesty to everyone who’s already crossed in a small boat https://t.co/xWjvHkEYoV
WATCH LIVE: @Keir_Starmer and @YvetteCooperMP launch new measures to tackle the Tory small boats crisis. https://t.co/qyr3jUckvt
🔴Keir Starmer will use terror laws to tackle migrant crossings | @charleshymas https://t.co/4IblvFvqPu
Labour’s big ideas: ➡️ Scrap Rwanda e.g. have no deterrent. ➡️ Amnesty for small boat arrivals because they would scrap Rwanda and have nowhere to send them. ➡️ Re-brand Small Boats Command, which was set up by this Conservative government and is led by a British army officer. https://t.co/YXAgUrYwMf
Lots of hardline rhetoric from Starmer this morning about small boats. But read it closely and you can see the clear outline of a rational policy: Ending Rwanda. Processing the claims https://t.co/BH5DBGIJqM https://t.co/DEBnk6fmG2
Labour will stop the chaos, bust the backlogs, and rebuild our broken asylum system. https://t.co/c19EtMRSdw
Keir Starmer is delivering a big speech on the Kent coast later this morning to announce Labour's small boats plan - a new body of hundreds of investigators and police officers to dismantle smuggling gangs - in seat of his new MP, Natalie Elphicke https://t.co/LAZvOz2IFp
MI5 agents would be deployed directly to tackle the small boats crisis for the first time under a Labour government, Sir Keir Starmer will announce on Friday ⬇️ https://t.co/6uq9ukHx8h
With @Keir_Starmer and @YvetteCooperMP, Labour will stop the chaos, bust the backlogs, and rebuild our broken asylum system. Funded by the money wasted on the Tories’ Rwanda gimmick. Read more 👇 https://t.co/F8BhFxuPj3
Keir Starmer set to pledge new anti-terror powers to break small boats gangs https://t.co/TfZP7C9xAo
Britain must be hostile territory for human traffickers. That’s why Labour is setting out plans to strengthen our border security and smash the criminal gang networks. https://t.co/9vt4VDxfLv
Keir Starmer writes in today’s @TheSun about his plan to grip illegal migration. “I’ll use MI5 to help smash small boat smuggling gangs – who are no better than terrorists” https://t.co/YA5qzfA2Kg
Sir Keir Starmer will promise to make Britain's shores 'hostile territory' for people-smuggling gangs, as he sets out details of Labour's plans to tackle small boat crossings. Political Correspondent @BBCHelenCatt explains more on #R4Today.
Keir Starmer to deploy MI5 to stop the boats as he vows to 'replace gimmicks with graft' https://t.co/7CGLnwodVu
The Labour Party is unveiling its plan to deal with the small boats crisis. Sir Keir Starmer wants to scrap the government's Rwanda scheme and use the money saved to pay for more Border staff to tackle the smuggling gangs. https://t.co/b0Bf5Qy1Xk
No more ridiculous Tory gimmicks. Labour will smash the criminal gangs, deploying the finest security services in the world! #VoteLabour #MI5 #SecureBorders https://t.co/zgbd3h4xvq
Starmer will use terror laws to tackle migrant crossings https://t.co/PWqIICYp5w
UK opposition leader sets out plans to tackle small boats crossings https://t.co/Z023MZVrKz https://t.co/FnMeWTjG9M
Labour to unveil plans for a new quango in bid to tackle the small boats crisis and make Britain's shores 'hostile territory' for people smugglers https://t.co/Yc9k5PqNVR https://t.co/uxdxGfxIVw
🔴Starmer will use terror laws to tackle migrant crossings https://t.co/4IblvFvqPu
Mi5 officers to be hired help stop migrant boat crossings, Sir Keir Starmer vows - @NatashaC reports https://t.co/pPbWViU20g
Dangerous boat crossings undermine our border security & put lives at risk. That’s why Labour is tomorrow setting out new plans to strengthen our border security & smash criminal gang networks. Instead of the failing Conservative gimmicks, we need a proper grip. https://t.co/EzJrztte3y
Details of Starmer speech in Dover 1. Labour clear on scrapping Rwanda: an expensive gimmick that can't be a deterrent when could not remove > 1% 2. Spend Rwanda £ elsewhere 2. Labour will process asylum claims. Saying govt is faking when says it won't https://t.co/Jvb10yWYIc
Starmer to pledge 'elite' Border Unit with anti-terror powers to stop small boats Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/NpTC0fzlJU
"Sir Keir Starmer will vow on Friday to use terror laws to tackle the small boats crisis, as part of plans to work more closely with Europe to combat people smugglers" https://t.co/j9DoOdJ02p
Keir Starmer is set to pledge millions of pounds for border enforcement as the Labour Party seeks to trample on Conservative territory with a strategy to tackle the surge in migrants https://t.co/TtZ29bTZHy
🚨 NEW: Keir Starmer will give a speech tomorrow on his plan to tackle small boat crossings [@PatrickChristys]
Keir Starmer reveals Labour’s plan to ‘stop the boats’ https://t.co/Vr5kqSNyDj
Keir Starmer sets out Labour's grand immigration plan as he slams Sunak's Rwanda 'gimmick' https://t.co/QMIltLSENg
Keir Starmer to unveil Labour plan to tackle small boat crossings https://t.co/uomLWsvOGh
New - Keir Starmer will rip up the government’s Rwanda scheme and divert £75m to tackle people-smuggling using new counter-terror powers Our story in tonight’s @guardian https://t.co/MvmaMUMssi