Jacob Rees Mogg, Tory minister and comedian poked fun today at France’s migrant crisis. He said that France was safe for refugees as long as they don’t dislike garlic.
His remarks may cause some discomfort in a nation known for its culinary traditions. He also took aim at the use of the pungent herb in the context of a discussion about the increase in illegal journeys to the continent in the last year.
There is a lot of resistance to the government’s new pushback policies. The PCS union, which represents many Border Force employees, threatens strike action.
Redcar Conservative MP Jacob Young, a Conservative MP, demanded today that ministers declare the crisis in the channel a national emergency.
Mister Rees-Mogg, Commons Leader replied that France had been called “safe” many times over the centuries. However, I believe we can agree to accept it as safe for all refugees, except those who are allergic to garlic and may have to flee.
His remarks may cause some discomfort in a nation known for its culinary traditions. He also took aim at the use of the pungent herb in the context of a discussion about the increase in illegal journeys to the continent in the last year.
With the PCS union representing thousands of Border Force personnel threatening to strike, there is growing opposition to the Government’s tough new pushback policy.
France boasts a rich culinary tradition, with widespread use of garlic.
“What is happening on the Channel is shocking and should worry us all. It is run by people-smugglers, is lead by evil people, and has caused deaths. Therefore we need to prevent more people from crossing dangerous waters and stop the criminal gangs that exploit the desperate.
Home Secretary Priti Patel is facing a revolt against her plans to get tough on Channel migrants. Last night, the PCS union blasted Priti Patel’s’morally repugnant’ plan to return dinghies from Africa. They claimed that they were risking lives and could violate international law.
In an effort to challenge the policy of ‘pushbacks,’ the organisation has teamed up with refugee charities.
Even though the application to the court is not successful, it does not rule out any industrial action. Officials are still free to refuse to comply with the demands.
It comes as new figures showed that more than 28,000 people crossed the Dover Strait aboard small boats in 2021, triple the number for 2020.
Mark Serwotka, general secretary of PCS, stated that: “The legality and legitimacy of the pushbacks policies is in serious doubt. It is right for the court to decide whether it is illegal to return Channel boats.
“We don’t want to create a situation that allows our members to be subjected both civil and criminal liability for carrying out a policy which they disagree with and do not consider safe.
“We hope to achieve a favorable outcome in the legal proceedings. However, it should not be a surprise that PCS strongly rejects this policy. This is on moral, humanitarian, and industrial grounds.