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Immigration and Border Security
Move: Starmer scrapped the Rwanda deportation scheme on day one, released 1,700 prisoners early (including some violent offenders) to ease overcrowding, and has struggled with record Channel crossings (36,000 in 2024). 

He’s pledged to “smash the gangs” but rejected EU youth mobility outright.

Criticism: 
Seen as soft on borders, this is blamed for incentivizing illegal migration and straining public services, with The 
Sun and X posts linking it to his DPP past defending human rights cases. 

The prisoner release, including a child abuser who reoffended, sparked outrage as anti-British, prioritizing ideology over safety. 

Reform UK’s rise (14% vote share in 2024) reflects public frustration.

Counterpoint: 
Starmer cites Rwanda’s £700 million cost and ineffectiveness, pushing international cooperation. 

Yet, crossings persist, and his stance is seen as out of touch with voters favoring control.