Andy Burnham ripped into Robert Jenrick over Reform UK’s unserious plans on immigration and the asylum system.
On Monday, Burnham was taking questions from MPs in the House of Commons after delivering a statement on the UK’s relationship with the European Union.
The prime minister called for “deeper cooperation” with the EU to help drive economic growth in the UK, and said it was an “immediate priority” for him to secure a successful outcome at the EU-UK summit next month.
At one point in the session, Tory-turned-Reform MP Robert Jenrick stood up to ask a question to the PM.
On the same day as the prime minister’s statement, Reform had announced they would shut down the asylum system for a full parliamentary term if they came into power, whilst Zia Yusuf had suggested a Reform government would allow the Royal Navy to use “lethal force” in the Channel.
So, Jenrick decided to ask the prime minister why he was not also backing these desperate and extreme policies.
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Mentioning alleged security threats from Iran, the Newark MP asked: “Will he declare a national security emergency, because we have a gaping hole in our borders right now?
“Send the Royal Navy into the Channel and shut down the entire asylum farce once and for all to truly fulfil his duty as prime minister which is to keep the British people safe.”
In response, Burnham decided to remind Jenrick about his time as a Conservative minister, when he would have gawped at such suggestions.
“I could remember a time when the right honourable gentleman stood up in this House and made serious proposals, sadly not today,” Burnham said.
The Labour leader pointed out that small boat crossings are coming down under this government and how the opposite happened when Jenrick was immigration minister.
“Those are the facts, he should engage with them,” the PM added.