A journalist has been criticised after he claimed those coming into the UK in small boats via the English Channel were “coming with just expectation” of receiving a job and benefits.
In a debate on Good Morning Britain, The Times’ political sketch writer Quentin Letts sparked controversy after he made the claim, suggesting Britain was “regarded as a soft touch” in terms of its immigration enforcement.
After it was suggested by presenter Ben Shephard people enter the UK “with just cause”, Letts replied: “They’re coming with just expectation.
“They’re coming here thinking ‘I can get a job, I can get some benefits’”.
Then, after another guest – the Observer’s Sonia Sodha – said making Britain more hostile to asylum seekers would not help the situation, he added “that would help”.