Michael Tomlinson said Tory MPs are ‘saying that they want this to work'
The Government has a plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel and it is going to stick with it, illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson MP has told GB News.
He said: “Actually, if you look back at it, and if you listen to the detail of the debate, everyone's stood up saying they want this policy to work and yes, there are shades, yes, there are nuances. But as I say we have a plan.
“We're sticking to that plan and Labour can't even say what they would do. They were asked time and time again. I remember this very vividly in the chamber in the House of Commons when we had the debate before Christmas time and again, what is your plan?
“That was the cry that was ringing out. What is your plan, Labour, and reply came there none. We're going to stick with this plan.”
In a discussion during Breakfast on GB News with Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster, he continued: “The debate yesterday was very respectful. What I heard was friends and colleagues from across the parliamentary party standing up saying that they want this to work.
“They want to make sure that the legislation will work and that's why they're having these debates. That's why they are tabling these amendments, and I listened very respectfully to my friends and colleagues right across the parliamentary party.
“Look, I'm a former deputy chairman of the ERG. I know exactly where my colleagues and friends are coming from. I know their concerns. I know their passion. I know their determination to make sure that this legislation works.”
He added: “Actually I share that passion, I share that determination. We just have a respectful disagreement as to precisely where that gauge should be.
“We're going to have more robust debate this afternoon of the chamber, I have absolutely no doubt about it.”
