Keir Starmer scraps UK's Rwanda migrant deportation plan

In a significant move welcomed by rights advocates, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the scrapping of the previous Conservative government's policy to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. During his first news conference following his Labour Party's landslide victory in the general election, Starmer emphasized that the policy had not served as a deterrent and described it as a problem inherited by his government. The controversial law, approved by Parliament in April, declared Rwanda a safe third country, circumventing a previous UK Supreme Court ruling that deemed the scheme unlawful on human rights grounds. The decision to abandon the Rwanda deportation plan comes amidst a backdrop of tens of thousands of asylum seekers, many fleeing conflicts and poverty in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, arriving in Britain through risky journeys organized by people-smuggling networks. Starmer's announcement was met with approval by Amnesty International's secretary-general, Agnes Callamard, who urged the new Labour government to fulfill its campaign promise to revoke the Rwanda pact. Callamard stressed the importance of upholding international obligations, the rule of law, and respecting the rights of every individual seeking refuge. While the scrapping of the controversial policy has been a focal point, questions remain about the broader direction of Starmer's Labour government. Al Jazeera's correspondent in London, Rory Challands, highlighted the anticipation surrounding the government's approach to various issues beyond asylum policy. Challands noted a sense of change and a shift in focus towards addressing the needs of the country as a whole, rather than solely catering to party interests. The announcement marks a significant departure from the previous government's approach and signals a new direction under Starmer's leadership. As the UK Prime Minister takes steps to reshape the country's asylum policies, the decision to abandon the deportation scheme to Rwanda reflects a shift towards a more humane and rights-based approach to addressing the challenges faced by asylum seekers. The move has been lauded by advocates and organizations calling for a fair and efficient asylum system that upholds the dignity and security of refugees, in line with international obligations and principles of human rights.