'TOUGH DECISIONS'
Keir Starmer confirms Rwanda scheme is ‘dead and buried’ in first conference as images of new Cabinet emerge
It comes as a removal van was this morning spotted on Downing Street
SIR Keir Starmer has vowed that the Rwanda scheme is "dead and buried" in his first press conference as snaps of his new Cabinet have emerged.
The new Prime Minister was quizzed by reporters this afternoon, just hours after new and returning MPs gathered at No 10.
6
6
6
6
Keir opened his first meeting by telling ministers: “We have a huge amount of work to do, so now we get on with our work."
He said he had set out to his Cabinet "exactly what I expect of them in terms of standards, delivery, and the trust that the country has put in them".
The PM then spoke at his first press conference this afternoon and was grilled by reporters.
It was there that he confirmed the Rwanda scheme was "dead and buried" under Labour.
Read more on Politics
When quizzed by The Sun's Kate Ferguson, Keir said: "Well, the Rwanda scheme was dead and buried before it started.
"It's never been a deterrent. Look at the numbers that have come over in the first six months of this year, there are record numbers. That is the problem that we are inheriting.
"It has never acted as a deterrent, almost the opposite.
"Because everybody has worked out particularly the gangs that run this, that the chance of ever going to Rwanda was so slim, less than 1% that it was never a deterrent.
Most read in The Sun
"The chances were of not going and not being processed and staying here therefore, being in paid for accommodation for a very, very long time.
"It's had the complete opposite effect. And I'm not prepared to continue with gimmicks that don't act as a deterrent."
PM Sir Keir Starmer has first Audience with His Majesty King Charles after landslide majority win
Earlier, the PM had said Saturday morning was a "moment in history".
He told reporters: "At that meeting, I had the opportunity to set out to my Cabinet precisely what I expect of them in terms of standards, delivery and the trust that the country has put in them.
"And yesterday I met Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on standards, to discuss how we deliver in Government.
"At the Cabinet meeting I also discussed mission delivery, how we would put into action the plans that we had set out in our manifesto."
Keir added: "Self-interest is yesterday's politics. I want a politics in this country that works for you."
The jubilant PM and his wife Victoria walked into their new home at No 10 for the first time yesterday — after promising to tear up planning regulations and rebuild Britain.
The triumphant Labour leader entered Downing Street after making a seven-minute address to the nation.
He will declare Britain open for business with a bonfire of planning regulations and a global investment drive to rebuild the nation.
And he will launch his premiership with an international diplomacy push next week and a plea to business to back UK Plc.
Removal van arrives at Downing Street
A removal van has been spotted outside No 10 this morning after a seismic election night and landslide loss for the Tories.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak yesterday bid farewell to the nation - dubbing the UK the "best country in the world".
He was speaking after Labour won 412 seats in the General Election - wiping out Tory big beasts like Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Grant Shapps and Penny Mordaunt.
And this morning a yellow removal van that reads 'Bishop's Move' has been seen parked outside No 10.
Flat boxes could be seen in the back of the empty van, while men could be seen carrying furniture and getting to work.
At one point, a harp was seen being wheeled along Downing Street.
Newly elected PM Sir Keir Starmer beamed as he addressed Brits from Downing Street around midday on Friday, before naming his Cabinet.
His MPs smiled at cameras as they made their way into No 10 to be handed their new roles.
In an emotional speech as he stood on Downing Steet, the former PM paid tribute to his wife and daughters.
The outgoing premier said he had given the job "my all" but admitted voters had sent "a clear signal the government must change."
In a stoic exit following election defeat, he said: "This is a difficult day at the end of a number of difficult days. But I leave this job honoured to have been your Prime Minister."
He added: "Most of all, I'd like to express my gratitude to my wife and our beautiful daughters.
"I can never thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made, so that I might serve our country.
"One of the most remarkable things about Britain is just how unremarkable it is.
"Two generations after my grandparents came here with little, I could become prime minister.
"And then I could watch my two young daughters like Diwali candles on the steps in Downing Street."
It will come ahead a series of policies in Labour’s first King’s Speech on July 17 — all aimed at kick-starting growth, in a bid to avoid painful spending cuts.
But Sir Keir will first hit the world stage at Nato next Tuesday before hosting all European leaders in Britain for a major summit the following week.
Labour’s plan to “hit the ground running” will be heavily focused on the planning system, which is seen as being vital to building more homes.
Sir Keir and Lady Starmer were greeted by delighted supporters as they walked into Downing Street following Labour’s landslide victory at the polls.
The couple were both seen embracing Victoria’s dad Bernard Alexander as they entered their new home.
Sir Keir used his speech in Downing Street yesterday to vow to get Brits on to the housing ladder for a better start in life. He promised that the infrastructure of the country will be built “brick by brick” as young people look for homes they can afford.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Outlining his vision, he said getting on the property ladder is part of the “ingredients for hope” of working people like himself.
The proposals were backed up by his new Chancellor Rachel Reeves — the first female to hold the position — in the early hours of yesterday.
6
6