Starmer warned against adopting Rwanda-style asylum policy by Labour left
Labour has been warned against adopting an asylum policy similar to the Government’s Rwanda plan after it emerged that party was open to an “offshoring” scheme.
Sir Keir Starmer is considering whether to seek deals with countries where Britain could send asylum seekers to have their claims processed.
The policy would not be as hardline as the Government’s, which is intended to ensure that refugees who enter the UK illegally cannot stay even if their asylum claim is approved.
But left-wing campaigners attacked Labour for “aping inhumane Tory policies” – while the Conservatives accused Sir Keir of seeking “open borders”.
The Opposition has criticised the Government’s policy of sending asylum seekers to live in Rwanda permanently, claiming that the scheme is ineffective and expensive as well as a breach of international obligations.
However, The Times reported that Labour is already exploring the possibility of “offshoring” applications, an idea which is also being considered by other European countries.
Under the scheme, asylum seekers would live temporarily in another country, settling in the UK only if their claim is approved and otherwise being sent back home.
The party has set three tests for its asylum policy: that it should provide a credible deterrent, be cost-effective, and not break any existing laws.
But a spokesman for left-wing pressure group Momentum hit out at the idea, saying: “This is a disturbing report. Labour should not be the party of more deportations and more effective offshoring, and it doesn’t need to be. As migration experts have said, the way to minimise perilous small boat crossings is to expand safe routes for refugees.
“Instead of aping inhumane Tory policies like offshoring asylum seekers, Keir Starmer should be standing up for progressive values and migrants’ rights. In doing so, he can offer a practical alternative to the Tories’ cruel and divisive war on migrants.”
Michael Tomlinson, the current illegal immigration minister, said: “This Labour policy is not a deterrent to stop the boats, it just throws open the front door to Britain, increasing immigration.
“The National Crime Agency says that only a deterrent will stop the boats. Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda plan is a deterrent, it will stop the boats but Labour have voted against it. While Labour want open borders, the Conservatives are taking the long-term decisions to bring illegal immigration down.”
Sir Keir has ordered shadow ministers to ensure they have a slate of policies ready for the general election manifesto by the middle of January as Labour steps up preparations for a possible May election, The Guardian reported.
He is said to be planning a series of public events to promote the five “missions” which he would structure a government around if he wins power.
