Keir Starmer officially took the reins as Britain’s new prime minister on Friday, marking the Labour party’s return to power after more than a decade in opposition. Following a landslide victory in the general elections, Starmer’s ascension to the nation’s top job was sealed in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Starmer’s first day was packed with activity, reflecting the urgency and determination that fueled his campaign. The new PM has already appointed ministers in his cabinet. However, what is catching everyone’s attention are the reports that suggest that Starmer has already put an end to the much-controversial Rwanda plan.
Keir Starmer’s first day as Britain’s PM
On his first day in office, Britain’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly put an end to a controversial deportation plan that involved sending migrants who entered the UK illegally to Rwanda. According to the Telegraph, Labour sources described the plan as “effectively dead.” During his campaign, Starmer had pledged to eliminate the Conservative policy of relocating asylum seekers to Rwanda.
However, with migration remaining a significant issue, he now faces the challenge of finding a solution to the influx of people crossing the Channel from France in small boats. BBC quotes home office sources saying, “The scheme never started. There is certainly no more work going on it.”
What is next on Starmer’s agenda?
Starmer is set to visit Washington DC next week for NATO’s 75th anniversary summit, beginning on Tuesday, a BBC report said. This will be his first foreign trip as prime minister, offering a crucial opportunity to reinforce the relationship between Westminster and Washington.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his anticipation of meeting Starmer again, calling him a “strong supporter of NATO”, the report said. Stoltenberg also mentioned that the alliance is expected to agree on a “substantial package for Ukraine” during the summit in the US capital. This visit marks a significant moment for Starmer on the global stage.