In a recent address to young Conservative activists, Jacob Rees-Mogg made a bold and controversial statement, proposing the construction of a wall in the middle of the English Channel.
Rees-Mogg, a prominent Tory figure and former cabinet minister, also raised concerns about the mental acuity of US President Joe Biden.
He expressed his support for former US President Donald Trump, stating that he would vote for Trump if given the chance.
Rees-Mogg praised Trump’s initiative to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, a project that became a cornerstone of Trump’s 2015-16 presidential campaign.
Trump’s slogan “Build The Wall” aimed to curb illegal immigration, and during his tenure, approximately 452 miles of the border wall were erected, although only 80 miles were new constructions in previously unwalled areas.
Immigration remains a contentious issue in British politics, with the Conservatives using it as a significant point of division from the Labour Party in their current election campaign.
The Tory stance on sending asylum-seekers to Rwanda has faced strong opposition from Labour, which instead advocates for reallocating funds to enhance border security and tackle smuggling operations.
In a leaked recording, Rees-Mogg articulated his perspective on immigration control, saying, “If I were American I’d want the border closed, I’d be all in favor of building a wall. I’d want to build a wall in the middle of the English Channel.”
This statement comes as Rees-Mogg campaigns to reclaim his North East Somerset and Hanham seat, facing stiff competition from Labour candidate Dan Norris.
Rees-Mogg is not alone in his admiration for Trump within the Conservative Party. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss also voiced her support for Trump, suggesting that his presidency made the world a safer place.
She acknowledged, “I’m not saying that I agree with absolutely everything he’s ever said,” but maintained that “under Donald Trump when he was president of the United States, the world was safer.”
Truss emphasized her desire to collaborate with other conservatives to combat what she perceives as a threat from left-wing ideologies.
High-Profile Support For Trump
Boris Johnson, another high-profile Tory, indicated that Trump’s return to the White House could be beneficial for global politics, calling it a potential “big win for the world.” Similarly, Tory MP Miriam Cates has shown her support for Trump.
Moreover, Rees-Mogg’s comments came during a conversation ahead of a pub crawl organized by a Young Conservative group.
“Every so often, I slightly peek over the parapet, like that image from the Second World War of the man looking over the wall, and say if I were an American, I would vote for Donald Trump. It’s always the most unpopular thing I ever say in British politics, but I’m afraid it’s true. I would definitely vote for Donald Trump against Joe Biden.”
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Rees-Mogg also criticized President Biden, alleging that he harbors unfavorable views toward Britain. “Biden doesn’t like Britain,” Rees-Mogg asserted.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK and a well-known Trump supporter, shares Rees-Mogg’s admiration for the former US president. Farage was the first UK politician to meet Trump after his 2016 election victory.
Although Farage had plans to assist Trump’s campaign this year, his recent commitment to run as a candidate for Clacton under Reform UK might complicate those plans.
Farage admitted, “If I’m elected the MP for Clacton, and I’m there every Friday … it’ll become more difficult but not impossible.”
The support for Trump among these prominent British conservatives highlights a transatlantic alignment on issues of immigration and border security, reflecting a shared ideology that continues to influence political discourse on both sides of the Atlantic.
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