Boris Johnson on Immigration

Boris Johnson's stance on immigration is framed around the idea of 'taking back control' of the UK's borders, a key promise of the Brexit campaign he spearheaded. As Prime Minister, he presided over the introduction of a points-based system to replace free movement, aiming for controlled immigration that allows for generous sanctuary but rejects what he termed a 'parallel illegal system.' Key evidence of this approach includes announcing plans to relocate illegal entrants to safe third countries like Rwanda, as articulated in an April 2022 speech, and passing legislation to distinguish between legal and illegal arrivals. He maintained that uncontrolled immigration places unsustainable pressure on public services like the NHS and housing, undermining public support for legitimate asylum seekers.

Despite these stated goals of control, Johnson's tenure saw a significant surge in net migration, often referred to by critics as the 'Boriswave,' reaching record levels. This increase included substantial numbers under humanitarian routes, such as those for Hong Kong nationals and Ukrainians, which he highlighted as evidence of the UK's compassionate tradition. However, his position is often characterized by contradictions, as his government simultaneously implemented policies that led to high legal migration figures while strongly targeting irregular small boat crossings. Furthermore, as he tours media outlets, he has been accused by former political associates of shifting responsibility for the high numbers recorded during his time in office.