Migrant curbs stirring up racial hatred in effort to secure Red Wall votes, says Labour MP

A LABOUR MP has said the Government’s crackdown on illegal immigration is contributing to “xenophobia and racism” but the party is yet to say whether it will vote against the small boats Bill.

Khalid Mahmood, a former shadow minister, alleged that the measures outlined by Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, were designed to retain Tory support in the Red Wall.

He said: “Isn’t the truth this: this is purely to deal with the political agenda that she has, to try and get the Red Wall votes, Red Wall seats, but she’s trying to do that at the expense of xenophobia and racism, and that is not conducive to our constituents and the country.”

Ms Braverman hit back, telling him it was “irresponsible” to suggest that wanting to control our borders is “racist”. She also accused Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader of believing it was “bigoted” to take action to stop small boats crossing the Channel.

Ms Braverman said: “It’s irresponsible to suggest that someone who wants to control our borders, someone who wants to say that the numbers are out of control and we need a firm line, a compassionate line, but a firm line on migration, is racist.”

“That is irresponsible, it’s wrong and it shouldn’t be put forward,” she added.

John Mcdonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, said: “Could I ask her to please tone down her inflammatory language. It’s putting these people at risk and those who represent them.”

Ms Braverman replied: “We are making good progress on bearing down on the legacy backlog within our asylum system.”

Labour is yet to say whether it will instruct its MPS to vote against the Bill. A party source last night said it was still going through the legislation.

However, in the Commons Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, branded the Bill a “con” as she criticised the Government’s record on dealing with people smugglers. She said Home Office decisions on asylum cases have “collapsed”, adding: “This is deeply damaging chaos and there’s no point in ministers trying to blame anyone else for it. They have been in power for 13 years. The asylum system is broken and they broke it.”

Ms Cooper said “serious” action is needed to stop small boat crossings, with a new agreement needed with France and other countries.