Starmer ends Rwanda asylum plan, calls for practical solutions

Newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today that his government will not proceed with the previous administration's plan to send asylum seekers arriving in small boats to Rwanda.

"The Rwanda project was dead before it started. There was never a deterrent," Starmer stated during a press conference following the Labour government's first cabinet meeting. "I will not pursue gimmicks that don't work as a deterrent."

Earlier, Starmer addressed his ministers, emphasizing the substantial work ahead. He described it as the "honour and privilege of a lifetime" to form a government after Labour's decisive election victory.

Starmer and his ministers were in high spirits at the meeting in Downing Street. With Deputy Leader Angela Rayner by his side, he welcomed his team, stating, "Look, colleagues, it's absolutely fantastic to welcome you to the Cabinet at our first meeting."

His remarks were met with applause from the newly appointed ministers, who largely mirror his shadow cabinet from before the election.