Labour's immigration plans miss the single-biggest tool which we can use to crack down on illegal crossings, a deterrent. I delivered a speech in Parliament urging the Home Secretary to rethink this deeply harmful decision.
Immigration is a proud part of our history which, when properly managed, has shown our country at its best. At its worst, it has left the door open to unchecked numbers which divide communities, increase crime, and overwhelm public services.
Let me be clear. Numbers under the last Conservative Government were too high - something we readily acknowledge. However, we did understand that to get a grip on the problem a deterrence was needed to stop migrants from making the perilous crossing from a safe country and encourage genuine refugees to apply for safe and legal routes.
Labour's only solution to 'smash the gangs' does not fit the bill. Small boat crossings are up 28% since Labour took office and more than 6,000 people are in hotels. Their plans to remove the Conservative's deterrents and promise asylum and citizenship to anyone who washes up on our shores is akin to an open-door policy.
