'That's Failure': Sky News Presenter Slams Labour Minister Over Huge Rise In Small Boat Numbers
A Sky News presenter accused Labour of 'failure' as the number of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel in small boats soars.
Nearly 17,000 migrants have made the perilous journey so far this year – nearly 50% more than at the same stage 12 months ago.
That is despite the government's vow to tackle the problem by tackling the people smuggling gangs behind it.
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook tried to defend the government's record on Sky News this morning, but presenter Wilfred Frost was having none of it.
He said: 'Is it fair to say that so far, a year or so into government, that the government's failed in this area?'
The minister replied: 'I don't think that's the case. We inherited an immigration and asylum system in complete chaos, we've got to restore order, but there was never going to be a quick, overnight fix on this, and we are taking action in a variety of areas.'
But Frost told him: 'To claim you're rapidly bearing down, and to cite once again the inheritance, when we're a full year into your term in office ... and it's not like the numbers have persisted, they're 50% worse. Thus far, that's failure.'
Pennycook said: 'I don't accept that. There's no overnight fix to this. We have to put in place the measures that will allow us to rapidly bring down numbers.'
Frost hit back: 'Some people will be worried that you don't see it as failure thus far.'
Darren Jones Admits He Was Wrong To Say Most Migrants On Small Boats Are 'Children, Babies And Women'
Starmer Accused Of Dancing To 'Farage's Tune' With Small Boats Crackdown
Labour Split Erupts After Asylum Seekers On Small Boats Banned From Becoming UK Citizens
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Nor are these retail and hospitality jobs just any jobs. They're great introductions (or re-introductions) to work. Once we've given colleagues this leg up, and as they gain in confidence and experience, we often find they progress rapidly, taking on more hours, moving into management or moving on to other work with our good wishes. My first job as a spotty teenager was in a high street retailer (Waterstones in Newbury, as it happens), and I'm far from alone. Flexible and entry-level as they often are, retail jobs help people break into the world of work. They help those coming back after having children or caring for their elders – and, crucially, to those seeking a way off benefits. It's crucial because of the UK's biggest domestic challenge today: the human and economic crisis of worklessness. The UK now has almost 1m 16-24 year olds not in employment, education or training, out of fully 3m people not in work because of physical or mental ill health. 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We could be doing so much more to help. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
