CAMPAIGNERS welcomed the scrapping of the Tories’ inhumane Rwanda policy today but urged the new Labour government to abandon plans to further militarise the border.
New Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the policy to deport refugees to Rwanda was “dead and buried” at his first press conference outside Downing Street.
Sir Keir said he was “not prepared to continue with gimmicks” as he confirmed that the scheme, which has already cost taxpayers at least £290 million, would be scrapped.
The Tories launched a series of shock detentions in April, in which people were held in raids and routine immigration appointments, after the so-called Safety of Rwanda Bill passed through Parliament.
A spokesperson for new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed today that the previous government had then released 218 people held pending removal to Rwanda during the election campaign and that the remaining two now in detention would be bailed in the coming days.
Plans are instead under way to redirect resources to setting up a new “border security command.”
Earlier this year, Sir Keir announced his intention to create an “elite” command that would pull together the National Crime Agency, MI5, and the border force with police forces across Europe and target those seeking safety.
He vowed to install new counterterrorism powers and hire private investigators to “smash” smuggling gangs.
The full details of the plans are yet to be announced.
Campaign group Stand up to Racism co-convener Sabby Dhalu said: “We welcome the scrapping of the Rwanda scheme and the release of those detained who were going to be deported under this policy.
“However, redirecting resources to border security won’t solve the problem: we urge the Labour government to implement safe passage for people seeking asylum. Without this, desperate and vulnerable people will always be exploited.”
Fizza Qureshi, chief of charity the Migrants’ Rights Network, also embraced the scrapping of the scheme.
But she similarly flagged concerns about the new border command, warning that its introduction “will intensify the already harsh border policing and surveillance already inflicted on people seeking safety who are forced to make the dangerous journey across the Channel.
“We urge the new government to abandon any plans to further militarise the UK border and instead treat migrants with respect and dignity and offer safe routes to all.”
