Reform UK’s Deputy Leader Ben Habib’s proposal to leave migrants to drown in the English Channel sparks heated debate and condemnation, raising critical questions about ethics and border control amidst the ongoing crisis. Here’s the full story.
Genocidal Turn
As the English Channel continues to witness an influx of asylum seekers and migrants attempting the perilous journey for a better life in the UK, the discussion surrounding rescue operations and border control policies has taken a turn for the genocidal.
Condemnation and Controversy
Ben Habib, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, the far-right party that is eating into the Conservative voter base, made comments in a recent interview that have led to a firestorm of condemnation and controversy.
Murderous Stance
In an interview with Murdoch-owned TalkTV’s Julia Hartley-Brewer, Habib proposed a stance that many have claimed verges on the murderous: not rescuing migrants who sabotage their boats during Channel crossings.
“They Have Free Will”
Habib stated in the interview, “Let’s not infantilise these people, they have free will. I’m not going to be held to ransom by their claim that they deserve protection as soon as they get into our territorial waters.”
“Suffer the Consequences”
He continued, “If they choose to scupper that dinghy, then yes, they have to suffer the consequences of their actions.”
No Evidence
Aside from the fact that it would be tantamount to suicide to scupper an overloaded dingy in the middle of the English Channel, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, there is no evidence that this is a practice regularly carried out by migrants.
Unscathed and Unnoticed
Many would presumably much rather reach the UK unscathed and potentially unnoticed than end up in the hands of the country’s Border Forces.
“Leave Them to Drown?”
Hartley-Brewer did push back slightly at Habib’s suggestion, asking, “Then you would leave them to drown?”
Let Them Drown
Horrifyingly, Habib responded, “Absolutely. They cannot be infantilised to the point that we become hostage to fortune.”
Immediate and Intense Criticism
Habib’s remarks sparked immediate and intense criticism from the interviewer and the wider public.
“A Civilised Country”
Julia Hartley-Brewer expressed disbelief at the notion of purposefully letting migrants drown, stating, “I have no doubt, Ben, that is a policy that would work quite well, however that is not a policy that a civilised country should endorse.”
“Swim Back”
However, Habib was not done. He stated, “We’ve been hijacked … You could have five dinghies or give them a boat which they can’t slash again, or you give them lifesavers and tell them to swim back. You could have any number of options to deal with the problem.”
“Self-Harm Ourselves”
He continued, “What you don’t do is give in to the blackmail effectively of: we are here and we’re going to self-harm ourselves unless you take us to British shores. You don’t give in to that.”
Inhumane and Morally Reprehensible
Social media platforms have also been flooded with condemnation, with many denouncing Habib’s stance as inhumane and morally reprehensible.
“Politics Has So Degraded”
Peter Jukes, co-founder of Byline News, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “When Katy Hopkins said the same thing about shooting refugees out of the water, she was sacked from her column at the Sun. Politics has so degraded by the point six years on, it can be the policy of party and one of its leaders. That’s how far we’ve sunk.”
Safe Return
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for Reform UK reiterated the party’s official stance: to pick up migrants from boats and safely return them to France.
“Stop the Boats”
They stated, “Our policy is clear and simple: pick up and safely take back to France. Ben [Habib] was having a conceptual debate about the theory of defending our borders. Our policy will stop the boats and save lives.”
Five Dead
Habib’s incendiary comments come over escalating concerns over the Channel crisis, the UK government’s response, and only days after five people, including a child, died attempting the crossing from France.
Preventative Measure
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation scheme, declared illegal by the UK’s highest court, has been held up as a preventative measure to stop migrants attempting the dangerous crossing.
Lives at Risk
However, despite the plan officially becoming law, the number of Channel crossings remains alarmingly high, putting the lives of migrants and asylum seekers at risk.
“Major Issues”
Sunak’s Rwanda plan has also been condemned internationally. Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe human rights commissioner, stressed that the proposal to transport migrants to Rwanda raised “major issues about the human rights of asylum seekers and the rule of law more generally.”
Dehumanising Rhetoric
As the right-wing media continue to vilify desperate people whose only crime is to seek a better life in a haven like the UK, dehumanising rhetoric aimed at asylum seekers is becoming more common.
What Future?
It remains to be seen what impact this will have on political discussions and the country’s future direction.
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The post Inhumane: Migrant Comments Made By Reform UK Deputy Spark Disbelief first appeared on Edge Media.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Aidan Calderbank.
Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.