Wednesday, Oct 28, 2026
Focus on the big picture

Starmer 'just another lefty lawyer' standing in way of solving migrant crisis, says Sunak

Telegraph, 08 Mar 2023
Rishi Sunak claimed Sir Keir Starmer is "just another lefty lawyer" who wants to block the Government's plans to solve the migrant Channel crossings crisis.

The Prime Minister and the Labour leader engaged in furious clashes during PMQs at lunchtime over the Government's new Illegal Migration Bill.

Sir Keir claimed the Tories have now unveiled five different plans to address the crisis in recent years and that the "problem just gets worse with every new gimmick".

But Mr Sunak hit back and said: "His position on this is clear. He wanted to in his words scrap the Rwanda deal, he voted against measures to deport foreign criminals and he even argued against deportation flights.

"We know why because on this matter he talked about his legal background, he is just another lefty lawyer standing in our way."

Sir Keir said the PM should be "apologising, not gloating" after successive Tory governments have failed to tackle the small boats issue. He described the premier as "deluded".

The Government's new Illegal Migration Bill will allow the UK to detain and swiftly deport people who arrive on small boats. However, the legislation will almost certainly be challenged in the courts.

Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/customer/subscribe/digitalsub/3for1/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_pvid_conversion-subscription_editorial-iniative_03-22_EGW-13_organic_youtube

Get the latest headlines: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Telegraph.co.uk and YouTube.com/TelegraphTV are websites of The Telegraph, the UK's best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.
Related Articles