Conservative MP Lee Anderson has sparked controversy in recent days over comments he made regarding migration policy and asylum seekers in the UK.
As Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, Anderson criticized the government’s failure to reduce migration levels, stating “We have failed on this, there’s no doubt about it.”
According to Express, he expressed frustration over the numbers crossing the English Channel in small boats and some asylum seekers apparently refusing housing in temporary barges.
Anderson’s inflammatory remarks drew sharp condemnation from opposition parties but were defended by some Conservative colleagues.
The government has pledged to slash migration levels as official statistics showed record net migration of over 700,000 in 2022. However, Anderson stated bluntly “We have failed on this, there’s no doubt about it.”
As Deputy Chairman, Anderson’s admission indicates tensions within the Conservative Party over delivering on migration promises. The government aims to cut migration by hundreds of thousands per year but opposition critics argue it keeps failing to meet targets.
Anderson sparked fury over comments that asylum seekers who disliked temporary housing on barges off the coast should “fuck off back to France.”
The Liberal Democrats deemed the remarks “toe curling” while Labour condemned the “vile” comments.
However, some Tory MPs including Justice Secretary Alex Chalk defended Anderson’s right to express “righteous indignation” over the migrant crisis.
The heated debate comes amidst record arrivals of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats. The government plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda but faces legal challenges over the scheme.
Critics argue Anderson’s rhetoric caters to anti-immigration views but fails to offer feasible solutions. Labour accuses the government of stirring divisive language to distract from policy failures on migration.
Meanwhile, businesses express concern strict new visa rules could worsen shortages of migrant workers filling vital jobs.
With Conservatives struggling to meet targets, Labour hints at a more nuanced stance on migration policy.
Shadow Cabinet members suggested Labour in government would aim to cut net migration from over 700,000 to the “normal level” of around 200,000 per year.
But Labour rules out an “arbitrary target” and acknowledges migration policy should consider economic needs. The party would review salary thresholds and reform the Migration Advisory Committee.
As Labour shows signs of closing the gap on migration issues, tensions simmer within Tory ranks over policy direction.
This week Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled plans to cut legal migration by hundreds of thousands per year, preventing over 300,000 people who came in 2022 from returning.
Yet senior Tories warn the plans could worsen shortages in sectors like social care. Rebels on the right demand harsher steps to curb Channel crossings and illegal migration.
For Conservatives, delivering tangible results on migration remains a pivotal issue to regain public trust on the divisive issue.
