Starmer Says Rwanda Policy Is ‘Dead and Buried’

The prime minister said the plan has ‘never been a deterrent’ and that he’s ‘not prepared to continue with gimmicks.’

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference after his first Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, London, on July 6, 2024. Claudia Greco/PA Wire

The former government’s plan to deport illegal immigrants to Rwanda is “dead and buried,” Sir Keir Starmer said on Saturday.

At his first press conference as prime minister, Sir Keir told reporters he’s “not prepared to continue with gimmicks that don’t act as a deterrent.”