Labour's plan to reverse Rwanda scheme 'a betrayal of British voters'

SIR Keir Starmer was accused of betraying voters after pledging to ditch deportation flights to Rwanda if he wins power.

-  Sam Lister

The Labour leader said he would scrap the scheme even if it brings down the number of small boat crossings because it is "wrong".

Supreme Court judges will today begin hearing the Government's appeal against a legal ruling that the policy is unlawful.

As the Labour Party's autumn conference began in Liverpool, Sir Keir said he would reverse the deportation plan if it is up and running and he wins the election.

He told the BBC: "It's the wrong policy, it's hugely expensive. It's a tiny number of individuals who would go to Rwanda and the real problem is at source.

"You're putting this to me on the basis that it's working, we've been told by the Government time and again that even saying they've got a Rwanda scheme will reduce the numbers that hasn't happened."

Instead Sir Keir said he would work with other countries to "smash the criminal gangs who are running this vile trade" of people smuggling.

He added: "As a pragmatist I want a pragmatic plan that is actually going to fix this problem, not rhetoric which has got this Government absolutely nowhere."