Keir Starmer vows to end 'talk tough, do nothing' approach to Channel crossings

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Labor will divert millions of pounds earmarked for Rwanda deportation flights to the creation of a new agency to tackle criminal smuggling gangs, it will be announced today 'today Sir Keir Starmer.

In a keynote speech outlining the party's plans to end the Tory's "talk tough and do nothing" approach to the Channel crossings, Labor leader will promise new powers to crack down on smugglers and hundreds of specialist investigators.

And in a warning to those making small boat crossings, Sir Keir will say: 'These coasts will become hostile territory for you."

Despite Rishi Sunak repeatedly promising to "stop the boats", arrivals across the Channel this year have reached a record high. The prime minister's flagship plan in Rwanda is expected to deport the first migrants to Kigali this summer, but has shown no signs of deterring migrants since it was passed.

Now Labor is considering diverting some of the £75 million. allocated to the project to fund a new Border Security Command, which it says will be modeled after the Office of Security and Counterterrorism.

The party will also install a new self -called border security commander to work in intelligence services. agencies to protect the UK's border.

And Labor will hire hundreds of cross-border intelligence and police officers to support Border Security Command and tackle gangs

In a speech on the Kent coast, days after the defection of Dover MP Natalie Elphicke, Sir Keir will reiterate Labor's commitment to abandon the besieged Rwanda project .

The Labor leader will say: “Rebuilding our asylum system has become a test of political strength, a test of leadership to resist the voices who, fundamentally, do not want to rebuild an asylum system. 'functional asylum.

“The question now is whether we can give priority, at any time, to the policy of practical solutions. , and reject the politics of performative symbols – gadgets and gestures. »

Sir Keir will attack the Tories' “gross incompetence” on immigration, accusing Mr Sunak of creating a permanent backlog of asylum seekers by refusing to process their claims.

“Even though they have absolutely no right to be here, they cannot be deported, charging the taxpayer for expensive hotel accommodation… the government has achieved the complete opposite of what they claim ", did he declare. will say.

Sir Keir will add: “A Travelodge amnesty, distributed by...