Delegates at the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool are set to discuss a motion on border security that has caused controversy among the party’s left wing.
The motion, titled “border security command,” will be debated in the afternoon session following Keir Starmer’s speech. It includes plans to hire new caseworkers to address the asylum backlog, establish a “border security command,” and negotiate additional returns agreements.
However, campaign groups such as the Labour Campaign for Free Movement (LCFM), the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy, and Momentum are urging delegates not to support the plan. They believe that the motion is inhumane and panders to a harsh political agenda that mirrors the Tories’ authoritarian border policies.
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, defended the motion by stating that criminal gangs are exploiting weaknesses in border security, putting lives at risk. She emphasized that the Border Security Command would enhance law enforcement efforts against smugglers and trafficking gangs.
On the other hand, Luke Akehurst MP, a member of the national executive committee, argued that the motion is necessary to address public concerns about illegal migration and signal the party’s commitment to taking action.
In addition to the border security motion, other topics to be discussed at the conference include Grenfell, local government, and the retail sector. The full timetable of motions can be found in the conference arrangements committee report.
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As the Labour Party conference unfolds, it is clear that there are differing opinions on how to address border security and asylum issues. The debate reflects broader discussions within the party about immigration, law enforcement, and humanitarian concerns. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the party’s policies and messaging on these critical issues in the future.