GB News interrupted its regular programming to bring viewers the latest on the surge of illegal migrants who breached the border of the Spanish enclave Ceuta last week. Presenters Mark White and Dawn Neesom reacted to footage of migrants waiting on a beach in Ceuta, as around 60,000 people from Morocco crossed into the Spanish city in North Africa between Thursday and Friday morning.
Presenters react to migrant crisis in Ceuta
Dawn Neesom noted: "We know that 60,000 crossed. Many have gone home but there are still many there determined to make it into mainland Spain." She also pointed out that Spain has denied the migrants food and water in an effort to get them to leave, asking: "Can you imagine if we did that in this country rather than give them a hotel?"
Mark White highlighted that the migrants were being "pushed back over the border without any regard to them claiming asylum." He observed: "There would be an absolute and utter uproar in this country if this government was to behave like that, but it just shows you, even in the European Union, if you're determined enough, you can absolutely do this, as the Spanish are now being forced to do."
Criticism of UK Labour government
Dawn claimed there would be "lefty lawyers" trying to handle the situation if it happened in the UK, adding that they would likely argue the migrants needed a hotel and money. She added: "The EU has offered emergency aid but also, the Spanish are doing what they need to do. But we couldn't do that, could we?"
The presenters took repeated swipes at the Labour government's handling of illegal migration in the UK, with more than 2,000 people having crossed the English Channel in small boats since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.
Government claims progress on crossings
Burnham claimed the government's plan to curb Channel crossings is working as numbers are down year on year, adding that measures brought in by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have "started to make a difference." However, he acknowledged there is more to do.
He said: "Although this is the peak period of the year for crossings, overall the number of crossings is down, the number of removals of people is up. So, there is progress, but we both recognise that we need to do more."
