Former UK MP Simon Danczuk criticizes Keir Starmer over immigration, praises Rwanda’s leadership

By Elias Hakizimana.

During a recent appearance on Rwanda’s TV10 program Impamo, former British Member of Parliament Simon Danczuk delivered a scathing critique of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to cancel the controversial UK-Rwanda migration partnership.

Danczuk, who was visiting Kigali, described Starmer’s immigration strategy as a failure and accused the Labour leader of putting politics ahead of solutions.

In a wide-ranging interview, Danczuk not only defended the now-defunct Rwanda plan—originally introduced under the previous Conservative government—but also suggested the UK could learn governance lessons from Rwanda, especially in leadership, security, and economic reform.

“Keir Starmer cancelled the Rwanda plan for political reasons,” Danczuk told TV10. “It was working as a deterrent, and once he scrapped it, the number of illegal immigrants entering Britain skyrocketed.”

According to Danczuk, the Rwanda plan—designed to relocate certain asylum seekers to Rwanda as a deterrent against illegal crossings—was a bold solution to the UK’s growing immigration crisis. He criticized Starmer for “playing political football” with a sensitive issue, arguing that Starmer’s approach has resulted in record-high arrivals.

“Just a week ago, we had 1,200 people cross into the UK in a single day,” Danczuk said. “Starmer promised to smash the gangs behind illegal crossings, but he’s failed entirely. His plan has no teeth.”

A broken promise and a nation in crisis?

Since taking office in July 2024, Keir Starmer has faced increasing pressure over his handling of immigration, the economy, and the National Health Service. Opinion polls in the UK now suggest that Starmer is among the most unpopular Prime Ministers in recent memory.

“He talks a good game but doesn’t play a good game,” said Danczuk. “The public is seeing through the spin.”

Starmer recently claimed on social media that his government has deported over 24,000 individuals with no right to remain in the UK. But Danczuk questioned the accuracy of the figures, asserting that they included voluntary returns and misleading classifications.

Rwanda as a model of governance?

Danczuk was also keen to contrast Britain’s political and security environment with Rwanda’s. He praised the East African nation for its transformation and governance under President Paul Kagame.

“British politicians would die for the kind of admiration President Kagame enjoys from his people,” said Danczuk. “His leadership style—dynamic, focused, and hardworking—would be most welcome in the UK today.”

The former MP expressed admiration for Rwanda’s strong economy, low crime rates, and efficient public administration.

“Rwanda is safer than the UK,” he noted. “You’re doing things here better than we are, particularly in security, policing, and defence.”

Foreign policy and UK-Rwanda relations

The interview also touched on strained diplomatic ties between the UK and Rwanda. In early 2025, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, announced cuts to Rwanda’s bilateral aid over concerns related to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Danczuk was critical of the move, accusing the UK government of misunderstanding the region’s dynamics.

“Lammy is getting his information from countries like Belgium instead of understanding the realities on the ground,” he said. “Rwanda has legitimate security concerns and is acting to protect its people. That should be respected.”

Despite recent tensions, Danczuk expressed hope for the restoration of stronger bilateral ties—particularly through trade and investment rather than aid.

“Forget aid,” he said. “We should be building business partnerships. RwandaAir connecting Kigali to London is a good step. We need more of that.”

Looking Ahead: A change in UK leadership?

Danczuk also speculated on the political future in Britain. While Starmer’s Labour Party was elected for a five-year term, he hinted that Starmer’s leadership might not last that long if internal party dissent grows.

“There’s no mechanism to force an early general election,” he said. “But his unpopularity is soaring. Even Labour MPs might rebel if the public pressure becomes too much.”

In closing, Danczuk emphasized the importance of mutual respect and learning between Britain and Rwanda.

“Rwanda’s comeback story is one of the most impressive in the modern world,” he concluded. “There are political and social lessons here that the West still hasn’t fully understood.”

About Simon Danczuk

Simon Danczuk is a former British MP known for his outspoken views on governance, immigration, and UK-Africa relations. He has visited Rwanda several times and maintains close interest in the country’s development.

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