Can Starmer succeed in reducing immigration?
The Independent|November 05, 2024
Keir Starmer has announced that the government is to make further progress on its manifesto pledge to “smash the criminal gangs” and reduce the flow of irregular migration in small boats across the English Channel.
SEAN O'GRADY
Can Starmer succeed in reducing immigration?

At the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow – complete with pipe band and more than 1,000 police officers from 196 nations – the prime minister reiterated his motivation and determination: “There is nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel.” His idea is to raise the importance of the issue: “People-smuggling should be viewed as a global security threat similar to terrorism.”

Will Starmer “Stop the Boats”?

Starmer has come under plenty of criticism for what he himself calls his “choppy” early months in office but he has not, so far, repeated his predecessor Rishi Sunak’s undeliverable pledge to “stop the boats” (which eventually only helped to stop the votes). Starmer and the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, refuse to put any numbers or deadlines for the success of their policy.

What is he going to do?

Spend some more money, get all the many agencies involved to work together and engage in much more international cooperation. He is putting another £75m of “new” money into the effort on top of a similar amount already committed.

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FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE INDEPENDENTSe alt
'Melania is interesting. Very vulnerable, always has been'
The Independent

'Melania is interesting. Very vulnerable, always has been'

There aren’t many celebrities that Jonathan Becker hasn’t photographed and there’s a story behind them all. He tells Zoé Beaty about the pick of his five decades behind the lens

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7 mins  |
November 05, 2024
It will be women who feel the impact of Tube strikes most
The Independent

It will be women who feel the impact of Tube strikes most

As any seasoned Londoner will know, Tube strikes are just as much part of the fabric of city life as the London Underground itself.

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2 mins  |
November 05, 2024
Verstappen exposed Norris flaws with drive of his life
The Independent

Verstappen exposed Norris flaws with drive of his life

The scene was set under the dark skies of the Interlagos Circut in Sao Paulo. Lando Norris was on pole; Max Verstappen was 16 places behind.

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4 mins  |
November 05, 2024
Women's scene in real need of a matchmaker for 2025.
The Independent

Women's scene in real need of a matchmaker for 2025.

On Saturday night in Birmingham, Chantelle Cameron won for the second time in what has been a bad year for professional women’s boxing in Britain and Ireland.

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3 mins  |
November 05, 2024
Boss levels: Anfield stages meeting of new likely lads
The Independent

Boss levels: Anfield stages meeting of new likely lads

Around the turn of the year, when five of the major European clubs were looking for new managerial candidates, one official involved in recruitment let out a sigh.

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4 mins  |
November 05, 2024
Amorim's two key tasks as he tries to revive Man Utd
The Independent

Amorim's two key tasks as he tries to revive Man Utd

Ruben Amorim will soon leave a team with 10 league wins this season for one with nine league goals. He will quit a side first in their domestic league for one in 13th.

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3 mins  |
November 05, 2024
Trial of suspects in teacher beheading begins in France
The Independent

Trial of suspects in teacher beheading begins in France

Eight people have gone on trial in Paris on terrorism charges over the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty.

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3 mins  |
November 05, 2024
Royals face brunt of Spain's anger at officials over floods
The Independent

Royals face brunt of Spain's anger at officials over floods

Spain’s prime minister was the real target of protesters who hurled clots of mud at the Spanish king and queen when they visited the centre of the nation’s deadliest natural disaster in living memory, a royal expert has said.

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3 mins  |
November 05, 2024
Royals face calls to dissolve 'disgraceful' private estates
The Independent

Royals face calls to dissolve 'disgraceful' private estates

King Charles is facing calls to dissolve his lucrative private estates and refund the cash-strapped NHS after it emerged he is making millions from renting out ambulance parking spaces and sub-standard properties.

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3 mins  |
November 05, 2024
'My son said only way he'd get to leave is in a body bag'
The Independent

'My son said only way he'd get to leave is in a body bag'

Mother says IPP robbed son of adult life before he died at 34

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3 mins  |
November 05, 2024