Former Prime Minister John Major has openly criticized the now-defunct Rwanda policy introduced by the previous Conservative government. In a strongly worded statement, he labeled the scheme as “un-Conservative, un-British,” and “unsuitable for the 21st century.”
Major voiced his frustration with how society views immigration. He said, “The way society has come to regard immigration as an ill” was deeply troubling.
He argued the controversial policy, which sought to send asylum seekers arriving illegally in the UK to Rwanda, would not have served as a deterrent, questioning whether people in “the backwoods of some north African country” even knew about the British legislation.
In July, Keir Starmer scrapped the policy upon taking office as Prime Minister, redirecting the funds previously set aside for the scheme to the Border Security Command. The plan was initially thought by Tory leadership to discourage asylum seekers, but it faced widespread criticism from across the political spectrum.
Major described the policy as un-Christian and inconceivable, stressing, “This is really not the way to treat people.” In his view, those coming to the UK on small boats do so “because they’re not quite sure where to go,” underscoring the complexity of modern immigration issues.
Reflecting on British history, Major pointed out the alarming resemblance to the colonial practice of transporting criminals. “We used to transport people, nearly 300 years ago,” he remarked, referencing the practice of sending felons, often convicted through hasty trials, to far-off colonies. Major firmly stated, “I don’t think transportation, for that is what it is, is a policy suitable for the 21st century.”
Tory Leadership Contest Raises More Questions
As the Conservative leadership race continues, Major has yet to declare his support for any of the current candidates. With contenders like Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat vying for the top spot, he emphasized the need for a leader who could tackle long-term issues while drawing back traditional Conservative voters.
Major warned that any talk of merging with Reform UK, the party led by Nigel Farage, would be disastrous for the Tories. “I would like to support someone who’s going to look at the long-term problems … bringing people back into the party who are genuinely center right,” he said.
Speaking on the relationship with Reform UK, Major was clear in his opposition to Farage’s involvement in the Conservative Party. “I don’t think he’s a Conservative … he’s spent most of his time telling people how much he dislikes the Conservative party and would like to destroy it.” Major concluded that this was not “a terribly good background” for any potential future collaboration.
Controversy Over Reform UK and Conservative Relations
Despite Major’s firm stance, some within the Conservative Party, including Kemi Badenoch, have taken a more conciliatory approach to former Tory voters now supporting Reform UK. Badenoch, a frontrunner in the leadership race, said, “Many of the people who voted Reform were lifelong Tory voters.”
She pointed to past mistakes, such as stripping the whip from Lee Anderson after he made controversial comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan, which were labeled as “Islamophobic.” Badenoch defended Anderson, stating it was a mistake to distance the party from individuals like him.
While praising Nigel Farage as a “disruptor,” Badenoch clarified that he would not be welcomed into the Conservative fold, saying his previous statements about destroying the party made it clear that such a union was impossible.
As the Conservative leadership race intensifies, the debate over how to manage relations with Reform UK and the party’s direction on immigration remains a critical issue.
Major’s comments have reignited discussion over what it means to be “truly Conservative” in modern Britain, leaving party members divided over the path forward.
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