During a live Talk TV News broadcast, former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib criticized the Labour government’s handling of the ongoing Channel migrant crisis, labeling it a complete failure. Habib’s comments come in the wake of a tragic incident where three migrants drowned and over 40 others were rescued after attempting the perilous journey across the Channel on Sunday.
Habib accused Labour of not addressing the root cause of illegal migration, stating:
“The government has no effective strategy to prevent these crossings. They’ve done nothing to stop migrants from entering our waters. As long as people believe they’ll be welcomed with open arms, the crossings will continue, and more lives will be lost.”
He argued that current policies incentive migrants to risk their lives, knowing they are unlikely to face deportation even if their asylum claims are denied. Habib emphasized the need for a firm stance:
“If they knew they’d be detained and deported, they wouldn’t make the journey. But instead, we spend billions housing and supporting them while British citizens suffer from cutbacks at home.
The Home Office recently announced a £15 million investment in satellite technology to track migrant boats. While the system is intended to enhance surveillance, Habib dismissed it as ineffective:
“We already know where these boats are coming from and where they’re headed. What’s the point of spending £15 million on satellites if we don’t act on the information? It’s a waste of money unless it’s used to intercept and turn these boats back to France.”
Habib pointed to Belgium’s success in reducing Channel crossings by 92% in five years using a robust interception model, including drones, barricades, and fast-moving boats. He urged the UK to adopt a similar approach.
The conversation also turned to Labour’s approach to the controversial Chagos Islands deal, which could cost British taxpayers £800 million annually. Habib called the deal a betrayal of national interest, saying:
“This is another example of a government that doesn’t prioritize British interests. The Chagos Islands never belonged to Mauritius, and we should have told the UN to stay out of our business. Instead, Labour is giving away vital territory at an enormous cost.”
Habib raised significant concerns about the UK’s capacity to protect its sovereignty, cautioning that these concessions might establish risky precedents for other British territories, such as Gibraltar and the Falklands.
Habib also criticized the lack of attention given to Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit issues, saying:
“If we’re willing to give up part of the United Kingdom to a foreign power, it’s no surprise we’re giving away the Chagos Islands. Northern Ireland deserves better. Over a million British citizens live there, and they’ve stood with us through thick and thin. Turning our backs on them is disgraceful.”
The interview sparked a strong response from viewers, many of whom praised Habib’s clear stance on immigration and national sovereignty. One viewer wrote:
“Ben for Prime Minister! We need leaders who will stand up for Britain.”
With immigration and sovereignty issues dominating headlines, Habib’s call for stronger action resonated with those frustrated by perceived government inaction. As the migrant crisis continues, the pressure on Labour to present concrete solutions is mounting.
