The former Prime Minister of Iceland believes he has the answer for dealing with the UK’s Channel migrant woes.
Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson appeared on GB News to tell Nigel Farage that “the best solutions are often the simple ones” when it comes to dealing with what appear to be complex issues.
In a swipe at the current political hierarchy, Gunnlaugsson said issues are often overcomplicated.
He offered a solution that he claims would not only benefit Britain, but would also be in the best interests of the French.
Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson discusses the migrant crisis in Britain
GB NEWS
“Looking at it from the outside, it’s simple. Politicians make these things complicated”, he said.
“When a boat comes with illegal migrants, take them on the land, give them a bottle of water, then bring them back to France.
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“In the long run, this will suit France as well. France does not want to be a middle ground in this huge influx of people going to the UK.”
Asked by Farage to clarify his comments, he said: “Take them back to France with a bottle of water. Immediately.
“Take them back, the French must receive them because they are coming from their country, a safe country.”
Farage playfully suggested Gunnlaugsson joins the Conservative Party, adding they “could do with someone with a bit of backbone”.
Responding, the former Icelandic PM commented: “The best solutions are often the simple ones.
“Don’t go ahead with Rwanda, just do this.”
It comes after the Home Office lauded “good progress” with regards to the number of Channel landings as new data shows the practice has declined so far this year.
According to their figures, the number of crossings so far this year stands at 26,605 compared with 39,883 at the same point in 2022.
While satisfied with the progress so far, a Home Office source told the Daily Mail “there’s a long way to go”.
“We haven’t yet stopped the boats but that is the Home Secretary’s key priority”, they added.
Rishi Sunak made stopping the boats one of his five key pledges, and his critics have said this is unlikely to be accomplished during his tenure.
Initiatives have been introduced aiming to tackle the swathe of crossings, including the Rwanda asylum scheme.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman is awaiting the results of her appeal in the Supreme Court after the scheme was denied by the European Court of Human Rights.