Labour Attorney General Accused of ‘Disgraceful Slur’ Against Tories and Reform UK Over Migrant Policy

Labour’s Attorney General, Lord Hermer, has sparked outrage by claiming that Reform UK and the Conservatives would “let people drown in the water” if they were to implement their policies on Channel migrant crossings. This “disgraceful slur,” as the Tories called it, came during a BBC podcast where Hermer defended Labour’s approach to the crisis.

Attorney General’s Shocking Claim

Lord Hermer, a key figure in the Labour government, suggested that the policies advocated by Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives were not “British” and would lead to migrants drowning. Speaking on the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast, as reported by the Daily Express, he questioned the alternative approaches, stating, “I think what they mean by that is they let people drown in the water.”

He doubled down when pressed, arguing that “some of the voices to the Right of Kemi Badenoch, some of the language and some of the rhetoric is deeply, deeply concerning, the kind of disregard for the humanity of people.” This shocking accusation has ignited a fierce political row, with opposition parties condemning his remarks.

Opposition Hits Back Hard

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp immediately branded Lord Hermer’s comments a “disgraceful slur,” according to the Daily Express. Philp argued that “human rights lawyers like Hermer and Starmer are part of the problem” because they prioritise “tenuous human rights claims of illegal immigrants” over border protection.

Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf also weighed in, dismissing Hermer’s claims and stating, “Reform will secure our border and deport all illegal migrants.” Yusuf highlighted Hermer’s past involvement in “lawfare to hound British troops,” accusing him of being “a traitor to his country.”

• Lord Hermer claimed Tory and Reform UK policies would “let people drown in the water.”
• He suggested such an approach is “not a British way” and shows “disregard for the humanity of people.”
• Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the comments a “disgraceful slur.”
• Philp accused Hermer and Starmer of prioritising migrants’ human rights claims over border security.
• Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf dismissed Hermer, stating Reform would “secure our border and deport all illegal migrants.”
• Small boat crossings have increased by 45% under the Starmer government, with 73,000 arrivals, according to Philp.

What This Means for Britain

This incident highlights the deep ideological chasm between the Labour government and opposition parties on immigration policy, particularly regarding Channel crossings.

For ordinary British people, this means a continued lack of clear solutions to the small boats crisis, as political debate descends into accusations rather than practical policy. The Labour government’s approach, according to Chris Philp, has already seen 73,000 illegal migrants cross the Channel under Starmer’s leadership.

The Attorney General’s remarks could further erode public trust in political discourse, making it harder for people to discern genuine policy proposals from inflammatory rhetoric. It also raises questions about the Labour government’s willingness to tackle the issue decisively.

Reform UK’s stated policy is to secure Britain’s borders and deport all illegal migrants, a position that directly contrasts with the Labour government’s current strategy. This clash of approaches means the Channel crisis will remain a central and contentious issue in British politics.

Share if you believe politicians should focus on securing our borders, not slinging mud.

This article is a factual summary of reporting by Daily Express. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.

Source: Daily Express | Breaking Brexit News