Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has hit fresh migration trouble. Plans to unveil a Rwanda-style deportation deal at tomorrow’s high-profile summit with Balkan leaders have collapsed. Government insiders admit talks are “in early stages” and “need a lot of work,” dashing hopes of a quick signing ceremony.
Migrant Crossings Surge Amid Failed Deals
Small boat crossings continue to soar, with over 36,700 migrants reaching UK shores this year — just 82 short of last year’s entire total. Meanwhile, negotiations with Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia, and North Macedonia remain stuck. Albania has already ruled out hosting deportation centres, leaving Labour without a workable alternative to the scrapped Rwanda scheme.
Labour’s touted “one-in, one-out” return deal with France has also barely moved the needle — just 42 migrants sent back so far. This paltry figure highlights the failings of Labour’s migration strategy that critics say is all talk and no action.
Shadow Home Secretary Slams Labour’s ‘Catastrophic Mistake’
“Labour made a catastrophic mistake cancelling the Rwanda returns deterrent before it started with no replacement. Their attempts to do a Kosovo returns deal now seem doomed to fail,” said Tory Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp.
Philp’s words underline Labour’s gamble in ditching a functioning (if controversial) deterrent without having anything solid in its place.
Labour Vows to ‘Do Whatever It Takes’ Amid Rising Pressure
A Labour spokesperson insisted: “Our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back. We will scale up these removals to France. And we will do whatever it takes to secure our borders.”
However, scaling 42 deportations to meaningful levels would require an impossible thousandfold increase. Meanwhile, the record-breaking migrant influx shows no signs of slowing as gangs continue to exploit gaps.
Why the Balkan Route is a No-Go
- Balkan countries seek EU membership or face fragile politics, making them wary of hosting British deportation centres.
- Albania’s outright rejection signals others may follow unless Britain offers big financial incentives.
- The optics of deportation hubs clash with Balkan nations’ ambitions, making deals politically toxic.
Labour’s decision to scrap the Rwanda scheme, despite its controversies and costs, means starting from scratch with unreliable Balkan partners—stretching negotiations into years rather than months.
Controversy Adds Fuel: Baptisms in Asylum Hotels
Adding to the chaos, reports have emerged of migrants baptised in bathtubs at asylum hotels. Some reportedly convert to Christianity hoping to strengthen asylum bids based on religious persecution claims. Conservatives branded this “insanity” and accused migrants of gaming the system.
No Clear Deterrent in Sight
Without credible deportation threats, channels remain wide open. Labour’s failure to reinstate an effective deterrent means criminal gangs continue to smuggle migrants with little fear of consequences.
France’s return deal only covers migrants proven to have recently passed through France, limiting its reach. With no Balkan deal imminent and Rwanda off the table, Starmer faces mounting political heat from all sides.
Tomorrow’s Summit: Triumph or Travesty?
With no deal ready to tout, tomorrow’s summit risks turning into a public relations disaster for Starmer. Opposition Tories and sceptical Labour MPs alike eye migration numbers with growing alarm as the Prime Minister scrambles for solutions.
What’s Next for Starmer’s Migration Mess?
- Keep chasing Balkan deals that may never come.
- Restart Rwanda-style deals, admitting past mistakes.
- Focus on domestic detention and rapid deportations, despite legal hurdles.
- Manage arrivals while betting voters prioritise other issues.
For now, Starmer’s migration plan looks threadbare. With record Channel crossings and no clear alternatives, the road ahead is far from smooth.
