Starmer on Small Boats; but we need compassion not crack downs

JVL Introduction

Many have expressed disappointment in Keir Starmer for many reasons, but his latest statements relating to the plight of refugees undermine any claims to him being a humanitarian.  This article outlines several problems with his recent statements, focusing on punishing people smugglers, rather than the needs of desperate refugees.  It is also a position closely aligned with the current heinous Tory position.  “By concentrating on the need to criminalise smugglers, the Labour Party narrative ignores international and humanitarian obligations, which should be a cornerstone of a progressive foreign policy.”  He makes no promises to re-open legal routes or to expand those few that do exist.  Note that a significant proportion of those using “small boats” are from Afghanistan, mainly people opposed to the Taliban and who worked for British companies or armed forces.

It should be beyond belief that a human rights lawyer is not leading the Party into more compassionate policies.  No one supports the people smugglers but it is clear that the way to stop them and end their cruel profiteering is to provide the legal routes that are so desperately needed.  But there is fightback and the article finishes with a  very positive motion that has been submitted for this year’s Labour Party Conference.  We hope all delegates will support it.

LL

This article was originally published by Labour Hub on Mon 18 Sep 2023. Read the original here.