Ever wondered what happens to controversial policies when a new government takes over? British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has scrapped the controversial Rwanda deportation plan, vowing to deliver change. But how soon can we expect to see improvements?
Starmer Scraps Rwanda Plan
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
In his first news conference, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the end of the Conservative policy to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda.
“The Rwanda scheme was dead and buried before it started,” Starmer said.
“It’s never acted as a deterrent. Almost the opposite.”
A Mandate for Change
Starmer’s Labour Party won a landslide victory, delivering the biggest blow to the Conservatives in their two-century history.
His platform? Change.
Restless for Change
Keir Starmer
Starmer told reporters that he was “restless for change” but warned improvements wouldn’t happen overnight.
He emphasised the massive challenge his new government faces: fixing domestic issues and winning over a public weary from years of austerity, political chaos, and a battered economy.
First Cabinet Meeting
Keir Starmer’s first Cabinet meeting
In his first Cabinet meeting, Starmer welcomed new ministers and highlighted the honor of being asked by King Charles III to form a government.
“We have a huge amount of work to do, so now we get on with our work,” he said.
Key Challenges Ahead
fixing the economy, health care system, restoring trust
Among the key challenges are:
- Boosting a sluggish economy
- Fixing a broken health care system
- Restoring trust in government
What’s Next for Labour?
“Just because Labour won a big landslide doesn’t mean all the problems that the Conservative government faced have gone away,” said Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London.
Tackling Immigration
Rwanda deportation plan, immigration policy
One of the most controversial issues is immigration. The Conservative government struggled to stem the flow of migrants arriving across the English Channel.
The Rwanda plan, which cost hundreds of millions of pounds and never took flight, was supposed to address this issue.
Starmer’s decision to scrap the Rwanda “gimmick” was widely expected.
But what’s his alternative?
Finding New Solutions
Keir Starmer’s immigration plan
“Labour is going to need to find a solution to the small boats coming across the Channel,” Bale said.
“It’s going to have to come up with other solutions to deal with that particular problem.”
First International Trip
Foreign Secretary David Lammy
Starmer’s Cabinet is already at work. Foreign Secretary David Lammy began his first international trip to meet counterparts in Germany, Poland, and Sweden.
Health Care Negotiations
Health Secretary Wes Streeting
Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced he would open new negotiations with NHS doctors next week. The pay dispute has exacerbated the long wait for appointments, a hallmark of the NHS’s problems.
Conclusion
Keir Starmer
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has a massive task ahead. While the Rwanda deportation plan is scrapped, the journey to deliver on his mandate for change has just begun.
Photo credit: The Associated Press
Learn more
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- Keir Starmer
- fixing the economy
- Rwanda deportation plan
- Keir Starmer’s immigration plan
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