Labour government decides to abandon the Rwanda Plan and remain committed to the ECHR for handling immigration issues

June 14, 2024 TruthUSA

Labour has positioned itself as the party capable of controlling immigration after 14 years of Tory ‘chaos,’ according to Sir Keir Starmer.

If elected, a Labour government would eliminate the Rwanda plan, establish a Border Security Command to combat people smuggling, and commit to remaining part of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

These promises precede the July 4 General Election, where immigration has become a central issue for many parties.

The Conservatives have overseen a surge in legal immigration and over 125,000 illegal entries via the English Channel in the past six years. In response, the government has implemented laws, policies, and international agreements to regain control of the borders. They believe their systems will be effective.

On the other hand, Labour aims to refute claims of being soft on immigration by presenting itself as the party with a comprehensive plan to manage the border, establish an organized immigration strategy based on skills, and end the ‘chaos’ left by the previous administration.

Abandoning the Rwanda Plan

Sir Keir Starmer revealed in the manifesto that a Labour government would establish ‘strong’ and ‘secure’ borders by scrapping the unworkable Rwanda plan imposed by the Conservatives. This plan has led to a backlog of asylum seekers, costing taxpayers millions per week with minimal impact on addressing the issue.

The Rwanda scheme faced criticism from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee due to its lack of a credible plan and significant expenditure with minimal results.

New Border Security Command

Labour’s primary strategy to replace the Rwanda plan and address illegal migration is the establishment of the Border Security Command, a plan unveiled in May.

This multi-agency unit, involving new investigators, intelligence personnel, and cross-border officers, will have counter-terrorism powers to combat criminal smuggling gangs involved in the crisis.

Labour plans to fund this agency by terminating the Migration and Economic Development Partnership linked to the Rwanda plan, which offers support to Rwanda through investments and aid in exchange for hosting relocated individuals.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak launches the Conservative Party general election manifesto at Silverstone, England on June 11, 2024. (James Manning/PA Wire)

The Border Security Command would establish a new security agreement with the EU to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing and joint investigations to tackle criminal cross-border activities.

This approach mirrors the Conservative Party’s collaboration with the EU’s border agency Frontex on training, joint operations, and intelligence exchange.

Labour, like the Conservatives, pledges to negotiate additional returns arrangements and expand the list of safe countries for quick deportation of failed asylum seekers.

‘Reduce’ Net Migration

Despite a recent 10 percent decrease in net migration, the Conservatives touted it as a success in limiting legal immigration.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper argued that the figures were still too high, reflecting a failure on the part of the Tories to reduce migration as promised.

In contrast, Labour vowed to ‘reduce net migration,’ without specifying targets or implementation details.

As part of their plan, the Conservatives proposed a binding, legal cap on immigration to decrease each year, subject to annual parliamentary approval to ensure controlled immigration.

Border Force check the passports of passengers arriving at Gatwick Airport near London on May 28, 2014. (Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Labour’s immigration management will be linked to skills policies, focusing on training and upskilling workers in sectors relying heavily on overseas workers.

The party aims to reduce reliance on foreign workers by implementing workforce and training plans in sectors like health, social care, and construction.

Backing the ECHR

The last government faced obstacles in deporting illegal immigrants to Rwanda due to interventions from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Although the Conservatives did not mention leaving the ECHR, they emphasized prioritizing national security if conflicts arise between security and the jurisdiction of foreign courts.

Labour affirms its commitment to the ECHR, ensuring that Britain remains a member of the European Convention on Human Rights.

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