Labor Minister Jacqui Smith faced a tough grilling on GB News over her party’s recent anti-immigration adverts targeting the North East. The minister was left flustered during an intense interview with host Ben Leo, who accused the Labour Party of resorting to “gimmicks” similar to those of the Reform Party.
Ben Leo wasted no time, directly questioning Smith: “Why is Labour in the North East and the North West pumping anti-migration adverts?” Smith, however, attempted to defend the ads, explaining, “No, we’re trying to do as I did back in 2007, a proper border system. We are not interested in gimmicks. We’re interested in action that will make a difference”, reported the Express.
Despite her explanation, her comments were met with immediate backlash, especially on social media. Many users took to X (formerly Twitter), calling the adverts a “performance.” One user commented, “This is all a pantomime. They paid these few people to get on the plane. No doubt they’ll be back next week. Why is Smith still around? Another one who abused expenses. Is it any wonder there are so many grifters in the Labour Party?” Another pointed out, “Do these Labour stooges not realize that their rapid eye blinking shows us their lies?”
A third critic remarked on the state of politics, saying, “State of politicians today. Power makes men greedy and women woke.”
The controversy comes at a time when the UK government has begun ramping up its efforts to deport illegal migrants and foreign offenders. In a significant development, images of 19,000 foreign nationals being removed from the country since Labour’s rise to power have been released. This unprecedented action marks a broader campaign by the new government to show its commitment to tackling individuals who do not have the right to reside or work in the UK.
The government’s efforts to demonstrate toughness in handling illegal immigration include a striking two-and-a-half-minute video. The footage shows foreign nationals, some in restraints, being escorted onto a chartered aircraft specially designated for deportations. The scene captures the careful, step-by-step process as individuals are escorted by security personnel from a waiting bus to the aircraft, giving the public a glimpse into the scale of the operation.
This development represents a shift in the government’s approach to immigration, aiming to prove its dedication to enforcing strict measures against those deemed to have overstayed their welcome in the UK.
