Labour Will Use MI5 to Tackle Illegal Immigrant Boat Gangs: Starmer

Starmer says Labour plans to use MI5 to address illegal immigrant boat gangs

May 10, 2024 TruthUSA

Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to scrap the Rwanda policy and replace it with an immigration policy that is ‘rules-based’ and protects human rights.

The Labour Party intends to establish a new multi-agency Border Security Command to combat people smuggling gangs facilitating the illegal entry of immigrants across the English Channel.

A statement on Labour’s website revealed that the proposed Border Security Command would receive support from hundreds of police officers, intelligence agents, and specialist investigators from agencies such as MI5, the National Crime Agency, and Border Force.

The command will utilize “counter-terror style tactics” and collaborate with European partners to dismantle the people smuggling business model. This includes implementing new border control stop and search procedures based on powers outlined in the Terrorism Act 2000, in addition to introducing new financial investigation powers and search and seizure warrants.

Writing for The Sun, Sir Keir emphasized the need to treat people smugglers as a threat comparable to terrorists.

Sir Keir outlined these plans and Labour’s broader approach to immigration and asylum in a speech delivered in Dover, Kent, a focal point for small boat illegal immigrant landings.

Labour Will End Rwanda Plan

Sir Keir confirmed that as part of Labour’s strategy to address illegal immigration, the party will permanently replace the Rwanda policy with a revamped asylum system that reinforces border security.

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Sir Keir emphasized that a rules-based asylum system aligned with global norms safeguarding individual human rights is essential. This comes after Labour indicated that around 52,000 individuals marked for removal under the Conservative government’s plan could be permitted to seek asylum.

Under the Rwanda scheme proposed by the government, immigrants entering the UK illegally—predominantly through the English Channel—would see their asylum claims automatically rejected, leading to their return to their home nation or transfer to Rwanda.

The Refugee Council estimated that approximately 115,000 asylum seekers might be left stranded in the UK by year-end due to logistical challenges in deporting such a large number to East Africa.

Sir Keir criticized the Rwanda policy for failing to deter illegal immigration, citing the arrival of over 2,000 illegal immigrants by boat since the Rwanda Act’s enactment.

“Preventing the smuggling of people by gangs is the most effective deterrent since the crossing would be impossible, ” the Labour leader stressed.

He added, “By overlooking this illicit industry and failing to comprehend the significance of a rules-based asylum system in combatting exploitation and dismantling the criminal enterprise, we are not embracing a progressive and compassionate stance. On the contrary, it is quite the opposite.”

Elphicke’s Defection Reflects ‘Mood of the Country’

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer sits with new Labour MP Natalie Elphicke, during a visit to Dover, Kent, on May 10, 2024. (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke’s decision to join Labour due to the government’s failure in addressing illegal immigration and the housing crisis was highlighted. Ms. Elphicke’s move was deemed “significant” by Sir Keir, who suggested it resonated with the country’s sentiments.

The Labour leader remarked, “I believe that reading her words from this morning, one would recognize the importance of this decision. The Tory party is losing support, MPs, councilors, and mayors nationwide.”

“The Conservative Party is on a downward spiral, devoid of ideas and roadblocks, which is why I genuinely believe that the country’s mood, as reflected by Natalie, is inclined towards change and a forthcoming general election,” he concluded.

Recent polling conducted by YouGov on Westminster voting intentions unveiled the Conservatives at 18 percent and Labour at 48 percent.

This report includes contributions from PA Media.

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