In a landmark speech setting the stage for the upcoming general election, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has declared a decisive break from the government's immigration policy, vowing to scrap the controversial Rwanda scheme on his first day in office.
The centrepiece of his new plan is the creation of a formidable Border Security Command, a specialised unit armed with new powers and funding to dismantle the criminal networks profiting from small boat crossings across the English Channel.
A New Approach to Border Control
Starmer condemned the current government's approach as a "gimmick" that has failed to deter record numbers of arrivals. He pledged that a Labour government would take a more pragmatic, security-focused stance.
"The Tories' Rwanda scheme is a costly and ineffective farce," Starmer stated. "We will replace political theatre with a serious, professional strategy aimed squarely at the organised crime gangs who are undermining our border security."
What is the Border Security Command?
The proposed command would operate like a counter-terrorism unit, bringing together:
- Officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA)
- Intelligence from MI5
- Resources from the police and immigration enforcement
- Prosecution authorities
This cross-agency taskforce would be led by a former police, military, or intelligence chief, reporting directly to the Home Secretary. Its mandate would include using counter-terror style powers to investigate, disrupt, and arrest the leaders of smuggling operations.
Scrapping the Rwanda Scheme
Starmer confirmed that one of his first acts as Prime Minister would be to end the costly Rwanda deportation plan, which he labelled a "chaotic and wasteful" failure. The funds from this abandoned scheme would be redirected to finance the new Border Security Command, ensuring it has the resources needed for its critical mission.
This bold policy announcement signals Labour's intent to seize control of the immigration debate and present itself as the party of competent and serious governance ahead of the next election.
