Starmer's migrant proposals would be a gift to traffickers

‘Labour's migrant plan highlights party's disconnect with the public’

- Esther Krakue

SIR KEIR Starmer has been one of the most vocal critics of the S Government's Rwanda scheme, labelling it "a gimmick" and a piece of "political performance art". But after more than two years of sidestepping the issue, it must have suddenly dawned on the Labour leader that he has yet to offer any solutions of his own. That is until now.

For it has been revealed that Keir Starmer's front bench is considering "detailed plans" for offshore processing schemes where "asylum seekers would have their claims assessed abroad". Sound familiar? For all the bleeding hearts scandalised by the Rwanda policy, it looks like Labour is taking a leaf out of the Tories book. Quelle surprise.

The uncomfortable reality of having these migrants - most of whom are young, able-bodied men - landing on British shores is more than simply a cry for help, as many naively put it. It is a legal and practical quagmire.

Many making this journey know that once they reach Britain, they are unlikely to ever be removed. And with the UK asylum acceptance rate of 77%, compared with the EU's 37%, it is no wonder that many would rather try their luck over the Channel. That luck is effectively doubled! And this is a reality that all politicians must contend with.