The Labour leader said that Bangladeshis had “made a massive contribution” to the British economy, but his remarks provoked such strong criticism that a London-based Labour councillor quit.
During an event organized by The newspaper, Sir Keir made the following remarks in reference to individuals who enter the UK illegally: “I’ll tell you what I’ll do on the first few days in government, I’ll put the staff back in the returns unit, and I’ll make sure we’ve got planes going off, not to Rwanda, because that’s an expensive gimmick.”
When asked where he was from, he then specifically mentioned Bangladesh.
According to Sir Keir, the number of people being sent back to their homes has decreased by 44% under this government.
People entering nations like Bangladesh are currently not being processed, hence they are not being deported.
Both Labour Party members and members of the Bangladeshi community criticized the remarks.
Stepney Green Councilman The deputy head of the Tower Hamlets Labour branch, Sabina Akhtar, announced her resignation from the organisation, citing Sir Keir’s assault to “my Bangladeshi identity.”
