Exclusive: Keir Starmer Unveils Strategic Plan to Welcome EU Migrants on a Progressive Path

Rwanda flights have been grounded as the Supreme Court ruling on their legality is awaited. Additionally, the EU has not yet agreed to any post-Brexit returns agreement with the UK.

In an effort to gauge France’s stance, Sir Keir will meet Mr. Macron at the Elysée Palace next week. It is believed that Sir Keir initiated the meeting, and France accepted to protect the “strategic nature” of its relationship with Britain, regardless of the future government.

A potential returns agreement is expected to be discussed during the meeting.

In response to inquiries about a Labour government accepting a portion of Europe’s migrants in exchange for a returns agreement, Sir Keir’s spokesperson stated, “The specifics of those conversations will follow, but having a returns agreement is crucial for addressing the backlog and reducing expenses related to accommodation. The exact modalities of its operation would be subject to negotiation. The UK has always been committed to facilitating safe and legal migration routes, as is evident from recent efforts following events in Afghanistan and Ukraine.”

‘Open borders by the back door’

According to Labour sources, any plan to receive migrants from Europe would be effectively controlled and capped, possibly through applications at UK embassies or consulates in upstream countries. Priority would be given to those who already have family in the UK.

The Labour Party believes that a returns agreement, if reached, would undermine the business model of human traffickers.

The government swiftly criticized the plan, describing it as “open borders by the back door.” A government source said, “Finally, we get to see Sir Keir Starmer’s plan for illegal migration – he intends to make it legal. Instead of respecting the desire of the British people to reduce numbers, he plans to strike a deal with the EU that would commit us to accepting our ‘fair share’ of the influx of illegal migrants entering Europe each year. Last year, that number was nearly one million people, and it is projected to increase this year.”

During a visit to Albania, Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister, revealed that Albanian migrants who arrive in the UK via small boats are being deported within 48 hours of their arrival, achieving a record turnaround time.

Sir Keir stated that a Labour government would aim to establish a new security agreement with Europe, which would involve sharing real-time data and intelligence on suspects. This would replace the SIS II system, which the UK lost access to after Brexit. The agreement would also entail increased deployment of UK police and border force officers to Europol.

He emphasized that combating human traffickers would be as much of a priority as addressing climate change, dealing with hostile foreign powers, and countering terrorism. GCHQ would provide support to the National Crime Agency in this endeavor.

Sir Keir said, “The primary duty of any government is national security – to safeguard the British people from threats both domestic and international. The government’s failure to tackle the criminal smuggling gangs responsible for these boat crossings is so severe that I believe it must be viewed on equal terms with the other three major security threats we face: climate change, hostile foreign powers, and terrorism.

“The truth is, Britain’s borders and immigration system are being controlled by a hostile and expanding foreign power – criminal smuggling gangs on the continent.

“Make no mistake, these criminals have perfected their business model. I have witnessed this before when, as Director of Public Prosecutions, I collaborated with leaders from across the continent to combat gun smuggling. They are organized, well-funded, and ruthless in their tactics.

“My Labour government will be twice as ruthless in smashing these gangs and securing British borders.”