IMMIGRATION minister Robert Jenrick has become the latest Tory to defend Lee Anderson’s comments telling migrants to “f*** off back to France”.
We previously told how the deputy chair of the Tory Party was labelled a “pound-shop Enoch Powell” for his remark.
However, when Justice Secretary Alex Chalk defended the comments, Downing Street confirmed he was speaking on behalf of the Government.
During his appearance on LBC, host Nick Ferrari asked if Jenrick (below) agreed with his colleague.
“Well I think everybody chooses their own language but I think the point Lee Anderson was making is a fair one which I agree with”, the minister said.
Asked if he would have used similar language, Jenrick added: “Well I think we all choose our own language but the point he’s making is absolutely right which is if somebody is destitute then they would accept this perfectly decent form of accommodation.
“We shouldn’t have a sort of a la carte menu where you can decide which form of accommodation suits you or you can demand to be put up in a four-star hotel.
“The public would rightly be looking on that askance. They want us to exit the hotels. They want us to save taxpayers money so that money can be spent on better things.”
READ MORE: Stephen Flynn hits out at 'shameful' Labour before Rutherglen visit
Although multiple senior Tories have leapt to Anderson’s defence, the Scottish Tories have remained silent on the issue.
The National approached them multiple times to see if they wanted to offer any comment but received no reply.
Mickey Mouse mural
Jenrick was also grilled on the painting over of a Mickey Mouse mural at an immigration centre, which was previously met with cross-party criticism.
The minister reportedly felt they were too “welcoming” and was asked to defend his stance on LBC.
He said: “As I said at the time, we thought it was right to change the signage at locations where people first arrive in the United Kingdom.”
Painting over the mural reportedly cost £1500.
Jenrick continued: “If you break into the country illegally, that’s a serious offence. There should be proper signage that emphasises the seriousness of the situation.”
READ MORE: Scottish Yes flag banned from UCI World Championships fan zone
However, Ferrari continued to press Jenrick on whether or not it was worth spending this amount of money to paint over the mural.
“I wasn’t responsible for the cost of that”, he replied.
“I think the change was the right one and I fundamentally believe that you don’t judge the compassion of our system by the decoration of a centre in which people first arrive.
“This is a challenge that’s costing the United Kingdom billions of pounds and we need to take action.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel