Lee Anderson, a Member of Parliament from the Reform UK party, strongly criticized how both the British and French governments are handling the migrant situation. His comments came during a heated conversation on GB News after the channel released a video showing French authorities giving out life jackets to people trying to cross the English Channel in small boats. These people were believed to be crossing the border illegally, and the footage caused a lot of controversy.
Anderson was very angry about what he saw in the video. He said it’s not surprising to him at all because, in his view, this has been going on for years. He explained that during visits to migrant camps in the past, he personally saw how both French and British aid workers were helping people prepare for the journey across the Channel. According to him, this support has only made the problem worse.
He blamed both the current Labour government and the former Conservative one. In his words, neither has shown the strength or determination needed to stop these illegal crossings. He said they talk a lot about cracking down on illegal immigration, but they don’t actually take real action. Instead, he argued, the authorities are making it easier for migrants by giving them life jackets, putting them in hotels, and providing free legal help once they arrive in the UK.
Anderson made a sarcastic remark, saying the UK might as well start offering flights twice a day from France, since the current system is doing nothing to stop the flow. He believes these actions are not discouraging people from coming but actually helping them and making the journey seem easier and safer.
He said that unless the UK stops giving people reasons to come—what he called the “pull factors”—the problem will never end. He believes migrants should be sent back to where they came from on the same day they arrive, even if that causes political tension with France. He argued that only firm and quick action would stop people smugglers and prevent others from risking their lives.
However, not everyone agreed with him. Paul Richards, who used to advise the Labour party, said giving out life jackets isn’t helping people cross the Channel—it’s just making sure they don’t drown. He explained that once people are already out at sea, it’s too late to turn them back, so at least their safety should be protected. He also pointed out that some people have said cruel things like using military force against the boats, which he strongly disagrees with. For him, protecting human lives at sea is basic decency.
Richards also raised the important question of how to stop people from getting into boats in the first place. He said the focus should be on stopping the criminals who run these dangerous journeys and take advantage of desperate people.
Anderson didn’t accept Richards’ argument. He responded angrily, saying the idea of “smashing the gangs” is just an empty slogan. He claimed that neither Labour nor the Conservatives are serious about fixing the problem. He said the only real solution is to remove the reasons people want to come in the first place—things like free housing, legal support, and a chance to stay permanently.
A spokesperson from the Home Office also commented. They said the government wants to stop these dangerous crossings because they put lives at risk and weaken the UK’s border controls. They blamed organized criminal gangs for exploiting vulnerable people and promised that the government is working hard to stop them and bring them to justice.
The overall tone of the debate was intense and emotional, showing just how divided people are over how to handle the migrant crisis. On one side, there are those like Anderson who believe only strict action will work. On the other side are people like Richards, who believe safety and compassion must come first.
