Former Prime Minister David Cameron has criticized the government’s handling of the migrant crisis, suggesting that Brexit is a contributing factor. In an interview with ITV, Cameron said that the UK’s ability to return migrants directly to France, which was possible before Brexit, would be the most sensible solution to the crisis. However, he acknowledged that this is not currently possible. Cameron’s comments have drawn criticism from Reform UK leader Richard Tice, who accused him of talking “nonsense.” Tice argued that the Dublin Convention, which allowed for the return of migrants to other EU countries, did not effectively address the issue of illegal immigration. The number of migrants crossing the English Channel has significantly increased since Cameron left office in 2016.
According to Home Office figures, 299 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats in 2018, but that number jumped to 45,755 in 2022. Cameron’s remarks have reignited concerns among some Conservative Party members that his return to government was a mistake. Some believe that Cameron represents the “politics of yesterday” and that his appointment takes Britain “back to the past.” Whether Cameron’s comments will have a lasting impact on the government’s approach to the migrant crisis remains to be seen.