Speaking yesterday at a Conservative fringe reception, co-hosted by the Common Sense Group and the Daily Express, Home Secretary Suella Braverman vowed to win the “war on small boats” and “close asylum hotels.”
She expressed confidence that the Tories could secure victory in the General Election by championing “common sense” politics.
Ms. Braverman highlighted the collective struggle to address immigration issues, emphasising the complexity of the matter and the determination required. She reported progress, citing a 20 percent reduction in numbers and a 90 percent decrease in illegal migrants from Albania due to agreements and policy changes.
She said: “Let me tell you we work indefatigably on this challenging mission. It is a complex issue. It requires a huge amount of determination, focus, and grit. And working side by side with the Prime Minister, I am optimistic. I know that we are making progress already.
“As we’ve said today, we’re already seeing the numbers down by 20 percent this year. We’re already seeing the number of illegal migrants from Albania fall by 90% this year, thanks to an agreement that we struck with Albania and the changes that we made to our rules.
‘We Will Soon Be Closing Asylum Hotels’
Ms Braverman added: “We will soon be closing down asylum hotels.”Today, the prime minister echoed Ms. Braverman’s words in his closing speech at the Conservative party conference.
He said: “It is non-negotiable that you, the British people, decide who comes here and not criminal gangs.”
On the topic of the Channel crisis, Mr. Sunak reiterated that “small boats are down by 20 percent” while pointing out that “Europe is up [on illegal immigration].”
Yesterday, Ms. Braverman was effusive in her endorsement of Rishi Sunak, labelling him a “common sense Conservative,” who was leading the country effectively and passionately.
The Home Secretary said: “Rishi Sunak is a common sense Conservative. Leading our country, effectively, passionately. Energetically displaying and setting out an inspiring vision of how great our country can be.
“Stabilising the economy and showing that long-term decisions are being made in the interests of common sense conservatives and the British people, whether it’s on Net Zero, whether it’s… taking on Nicola Sturgeon on her gender ideology.”
During a fervent and impassioned speech, Ms. Braverman expressed gratitude for the socially conservative Common Sense Group of MPs, led by Sir John Hayes.
Ms. Braverman praised their courage, determination, and love for the country, seeing them as the embodiment of the voice of the British people and the heart of the Conservative Party.
A Need For Tory Unity
Looking ahead, Ms. Braverman stressed the need for unity within the party, rallying members to restore credibility and pride to the British people.She said: “Being patriotic, being law-abiding, being passionate about the greatness of our country is not something to be ashamed of.
“It’s something which unites us that also empowers our country. We can design and deliver that unifying vision to the British people together. We can take on Labour, we can beat Labour, and together we can win the next general election.”
In an earlier speech yesterday, Ms. Braverman warned the conference’s attendees that a “hurricane” of immigration may be coming to Britain.
She said: “The wind of change that carried my own parents across the globe in the 20th century was a mere gust compared to the hurricane that is coming.
“Because today the option of moving from a poorer country to a richer one is not just a dream for billions of people, it is an entirely realistic prospect.”
Today, the prime minister also used his address at the Conservative Party Conference to announce the cancellation of the contentious HS2 line from Birmingham to Manchester, while announcing major reforms to education and a potential ban on smoking.
