Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made it his mission to “Stop the boats” in 2023, but immigration numbers have now reached a record high.
Record High Migrant Crossings in 2024
Despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s claims, migrant crossings are at the highest that Britain has ever seen.
Small Boat Crossings Soar
Immigrants arriving in the country illegally through methods such as crossing the Channel in small boats has risen to the highest number for this time in the year compared to the past.
Over a Hundred Crossings a Day
Every day, over a hundred migrants are entering the UK’s shores, adding up to a total that surpasses last year’s for May.
9,681 Crossings and Counting
The total number of migrants entering the UK shores in 2024 has now reached 9,681, a record-high for this time of the year.
Bending the Truth
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently claimed in a session of PMQs that migrant crossings were going “down,” although the latest figures show the opposite.
Previous Records Smashed
The previous record for immigration numbers at this time of year was in 2022, when 9,607 illegally entered the country, the same year Sunak announced his Rwanda Bill plans.
2023 Figures Prompt Gloating
That number had reduced to 7,610 migrants last year, prompting Sunak to gloat about his immigration plan’s success.
Using Rwanda Bill as a “Deterrent”
Despite these claims and Sunak’s ambitions to use the Rwanda Bill as a “deterrent”, the numbers for 2024 do not make for good reading for the Prime Minister.
Labour Slams Rwanda Bill as “Gimmick”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly branded the Rwanda Bill as a “gimmick” that Sunak allegedly uses to get votes in the next general election.
Labour’s “Border Control Taskforce”
The Labour Party recently announced its own plans to tackle immigration in the UK, revealing a “border control taskforce” idea that would target people-smuggling gangs.
Rwanda Bill Passed Into Law
Starmer announced this plan just weeks after it was revealed that the Rwanda Bill would finally be passed into British law after months of debate.
Flights off the Ground
Rishi Sunak claimed that he would have Rwanda flights in the air within “10-12 weeks” of the law being passed, with reports suggesting those boarding the flights had already been identified.
Protests Sparked, Arrests Made
The flights have sparked protests, resulting in arrests made by the police of those who oppose the Rwanda idea.
Migrants to Receive UK Care Package
A watchdog revealed that the British government would be paying these Rwandan migrants to board the flights, estimating that each migrant would receive £3000.
Tory MP Resignations
Many Tory MPs have recently defected or resigned, including former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke, who was welcomed into the Labour Party.
Immigration Policy a Factor
Elphicke’s main reason for the switch was Rishi Sunak’s immigration policy, which she argued wasn’t working.
General Election Calls
Many are calling for a general election as Sunak loses more public faith every day, along with that of his own Party.
Conservatives “Out of Touch”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said, “This Conservative government is out of touch and out of time and Rishi Sunak must do the right thing and give the people a general election.”
Tories Sit Far Behind Labour in Polls
Sunak has already announced his plans to continue in politics if he loses the general election. The polls place his party 30 points behind Labour.
A Kick in the Teeth
Sunak’s immigration numbers are a real kick in the teeth for the Conservative Party’s election hopes after Sunak made it his key policy to “Stop the boats” throughout his tenure.
The post Sunak’s Immigration Policy Under Fire as Numbers Hit Record Highs first appeared on Now Buzz.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Edward Crawford.