Starmer Clarifies Deportation Remarks Amid Backlash from Bangladeshi Community

Starmer has clarified that his remarks about deportations to Bangladesh were not intended to upset the Bangladeshi community. The leader of the Labour Party justified his specific mention of Bangladesh as a country to which deportations could increase from the UK.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Thursday, June 27, 2024, 2:

Sir Keir Starmer expressed that it was not his intention to upset the Bangladeshi community following his specific mention of the nation in a discussion on immigration.

The head of the Labour Party acknowledged the significant impact of the Bangladeshi community on the British economy. This statement came following remarks that led to considerable controversy, culminating in the resignation of a Labour council member in London.

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Addressing the issue of illegal immigration to the UK, Sir Keir Starmer stated in a debate organized by The Sun newspaper: "In the initial days of my administration, here's my plan: I will reinstate personnel in the returns unit and ensure we have flights ready for deportations, but not to Rwanda, as that approach is costly and ineffective."

He specifically mentioned Bangladesh as a potential destination for migrants when discussing where they could be repatriated under Labour's proposal.

"Under the current administration, there has been a 44% decrease in the rate of individuals being sent back to their countries of origin," stated Sir Keir.

Currently, individuals arriving from nations such as Bangladesh are not being deported due to a lack of processing.

The remarks faced backlash from both the Bangladeshi community and members of the Labour Party.

Stepney Green Council member Sabina Akhtar, who served as the deputy leader of the Tower Hamlets Labour group, stepped down from her position, stating that Sir Keir's remarks were an affront to her Bangladeshi heritage.

Labour Party candidate Apsana Begum, whose parents emigrated from Bangladesh, stated she "will always defend migrant communities from being unfairly blamed."

On Thursday, Sir Keir defended his remarks by stating that his intention was to illustrate a scenario where a secure nation has an established agreement for accepting returns, yet individuals are not being deported as their asylum applications remain unprocessed.

He informed the media, stating: "The mention during the recent discussion highlighted a nation deemed secure for asylum purposes, which also has a repatriation agreement with us. This is a positive development that both our country and Bangladesh can view with pride."

"I definitely did not mean to upset or offend any members of the Bangladeshi community here."

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He expressed his appreciation for the Bangladeshi community in the UK, noting, "Their significant impact on our economy, our culture, and our nation is invaluable. This is the reason for the deep and enduring connection between the Labour Party and the Bangladeshi community here."

"That's the reason my initial visit as a Labour MP took me to Bangladesh, where I personally experienced the resilience and welcoming nature of the nation. In my constituency, I represent a significant number of Bangladeshi residents with whom I've collaborated for a long time, and I aim to further this relationship while in office."

Immigration has emerged as a divisive topic during the election season, with Rishi Sunak maintaining that his delayed Rwanda policy will eventually be implemented, while Labour criticizes it as an "ineffective stunt" and vows to abolish it.

The party plans to reallocate £75 million to establish a new "border command" unit dedicated to dismantling criminal networks, and to recruit an additional 1,000 caseworkers to form a "Returns and Enforcement Unit" aimed at tackling the decline in asylum deportations since 2010.

When questioned by journalists today about whether his plan would include accepting individuals who enter through unauthorized pathways, Sir Keir responded: "Those who are here without any legal right will be deported. Naturally, if an asylum claim is approved, then it is a successful claim."

"Currently, there is a complete success rate, as everyone residing here under the current administration is guaranteed lifelong residency, with expenses covered by taxpayers."

"This government's asylum policy is neither sustainable nor sensible; it is fundamentally flawed."

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