GB News aired a heated debate over the small boat crisis, featuring Reform UK MP Lee Anderson and left-wing supporter Benjamin Butterworth. The segment, which aired on August 7, saw Anderson snap: "I know we ask it time and time again on this show – will this government or any government stop the small boat crisis?"
The exchange
Butterworth responded: "Well yes. I think if you look at what’s happened in the last two and a bit years, things have improved enormously, far more than people might have imagined. In the first half of this year, the number of small boat crossings was almost half the first six months of last year," but was cut off by Anderson, who asked: "But what about the year before, Benjamin?"
He replied: "Well the year before they’re inheriting it from the previous government, so it’s understandable that it took a little time to turn around. But the fact is that more than two years in, almost halving the numbers coming across the Channel is massive progress."
Claims of progress
Butterworth continued: "In fact the numbers are better than that, because of all the attempted lift-offs from the French side, 60% are stopped, so this means that the plan is clearly working. Obviously anyone coming over in a small boat is not good for the people in the small boat or for Britain, but to have halved the numbers is a success. Even you are going to have to admit-"
He was cut off again by Anderson, who said sarcastically: "What do you mean, even me? Don’t sneer down your nose at me, Benjamin Butterworth."
Reactions
Grinning, Butterworth said: "Well don’t sneer at those good French police doing their work!" But Emma Webb chimed in: "You saw that video of Chris Philp challenging them and the police were standing there while these guys were getting on the dinghy, and he challenged them and they just shrugged. ‘We’ve been given orders not to do anything about it’. I’m glad to hear that Benjamin has finally come round to the idea that these people are not good for Britain."
