Starmer will make Britain 'the asylum capital of the World'

Labour to scrap Rwanda plan 'straight away' and fund smuggling unit if it wins election

- Michael Knowles

SIR Keir Starmer will create a haven for people smuggling gangs if he wins power at the general election, the Home Secretary has warned.

James Cleverly said the Labour leader will make Britain the "asylum capital of the world".

Sir Keir yesterday unveiled his plan to end the Channel migrant crisis by increasing MI5's role in hunting criminal gangs and creating a new border security command.

He also confirmed the Rwanda deportation scheme, a key tactic to deter migrants from attempting to reach the UK, would be scrapped "straight away" if he becomes Prime Minister.

The pledge comes despite the Government revealing the first flight could take off in the week of June 24 - as first reported by the Daily Express and some migrants admitting the threat of being sent to Kigali had led to them to flee the UK.

Mr Cleverly said: "Labour have no plan to stop the boats. Labour have an illegal immigration amnesty, Labour blocked the deportation of violent sexual offenders and Labour voted over 130 times against tougher legislation to stop the boats.

"They will create a haven for criminal gangs, not stop them. Even Labour MPs are saying Labour can't be trusted to stop the boats, which shows you nothing will change.

"If people can apply for asylum from outside the UK, then unlimited claims can be made, many of which will have to be accepted under the law and, even then, many of those declined will then get on a small boat anyway.

"Labour's announcement would make the UK the asylum capital of the world."