LEE Anderson has suggested that asylum seekers should be sent to “some remote Scottish island” if the UK Government’s Rwanda deportation plan fails.
The MP called for those arriving in the UK via small boats to be housed in the Orkney Islands, which he claimed would be “perfect” for people fleeing persecution.
When asked about reports the Home Office had considered sending migrants to the Falkland Islands, Anderson (below) told GB News it was a “bit far to go” and “not fair on the islanders”.
He then added that “if people are genuinely escaping war or persecution then a nice Scottish island with a few outbuildings would be suitable”.
His comments come after the Supreme Court ruled Rishi Sunak’s plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda were unlawful due to deficiencies in the country’s asylum system.
A report in the Times suggested Sunak had rejected Home Office proposals to send migrants to the Falkland Islands as a back-up.
Anderson continued: “There’s a better option. We can keep them on British soil if you like. We’ve got the Orkneys or some remote Scottish island.
“I know it’s a bit parky up there this time of year. But if people are genuinely escaping war or persecution then a nice Scottish island with a few outbuildings would be suitable.”
He said he thought the UK was “beautiful” and stressed the “go-to” nature of some parts of Scotland.
“I’d like to be able to afford a place up there,” he said.
The Tory deputy chair continued: “The Falkland Islands, I think it’s a little bit far to go and it’s not fair on the Falkland Islanders who have got their own problems at the moment with their sovereignty, with Argentina.
“But if people are genuinely escaping violence or persecution then a nice little island in the north of Scotland is perfect.”
He previously said the Rwanda ruling was a “dark day for the British people” and said ministers should “just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda”.
