GB News interrupted its regular programming with a breaking alert on small boat crossings as Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke live. The Labour leader was on the show to discuss illegal immigration when the network aired a banner reading: “Will Burnham stop the small boats?”
Burnham's Response
Burnham said: “The [Home] Secretary [Shabana Mahmood] has brought forward a very rigorous plan in relation to this, and let’s remember – of course the numbers can fluctuate – but overall boat crossings are down, down quite significantly year-on-year, so that does suggest that the plan is working.” He added that rigorous checks must be done to prevent people from being put through without safeguards, and committed to that instruction. He acknowledged there is more to do, saying: “The public want to see control being exerted, and while we’ve made progress there is more to do, and I recognise that completely. But the trend is down and the number of people being removed is up, so the figures are pointing in a better direction but there is much more to do.”
Viewer Reaction
Viewers were unimpressed and took to social media. One tweeted: “Rebranding the same policy doesn't make it a new policy. People want results, not a new spokesperson.” Another said: “Down because of the weather! Stop b********ing Andy!” A third fumed: “Burnham is a liar. He and Labour have no desire whatsoever to stop the boats!”
