Starmer ‘absolutely convinced’ smashing gangs is correct approach to small boats

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer has said he is “absolutely convinced” that disrupting criminal gangs bringing people across the English Channel in small boats is the way to tackle the migrant crisis. But speaking after a summit on small boats chaired by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Sir Keir was adamant that the Government’s new approach was the correct one. We’re beginning that work already.” Sir Keir also suggested the Government had made progress since it “refocused attention” after scrapping the Rwanda scheme, adding: “We’re bearing down on this operational summit. Mr Johnson, whose government first kindled the Rwanda plan, said in a video on X, formerly Twitter: “With 12 more people dying in the Channel this week including six children, one pregnant mother, and with the Germans themselves now expressing an interest in the Rwanda policy, it is time for Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper to admit that if you scrap a policy designed to save lives and you put nothing in its place, then you will be to blame for the drowning of kids at sea.” Tory former immigration minister Robert Jenrick earlier accused Sir Keir and Ms Cooper of having “surrendered to the smuggling gangs” after scrapping the Conservatives’ Rwanda policy.