Starmer must do more than reverse the Tories’ cruelties. He should lead a global rethink on refugees

Keir Starmer and the shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, arrive in Rotterdam ahead of meetings with Europol to discuss how Labour would tackle small boats crossing the Channel. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

There are moments in a political cycle that become defining on the back of issues dominating the headlines. Yesterday, having been reticent to speak out boldly on asylum, Keir Starmer drew a clear dividing line between his party and the government, making clear its proposed approach to people crossing the Channel in small boats.

He articulated his plans to treat people smugglers like terrorists and powerfully criticised the government, telling the Times that draconian government plans to expel anyone seeking safety on our shores to a so-called safe third country to have their asylum claim processed is “inhumane”. Under Labour, the right to asylum would be restored, he said, stating very clearly: “We have to process the claims.”