Former Prime Minister Sir John Major has expressed strong disapproval of the previous administration’s asylum strategy involving Rwanda, labeling it as “un-Conservative and un-British.”
Overview of the Rwanda Asylum Plan
The controversial initiative was designed to discourage individuals from making perilous crossings of the English Channel in small boats by relocating certain migrants who entered the UK unlawfully to Rwanda, a nation in East Africa. However, this plan faced numerous legal obstacles and was ultimately abandoned by the newly elected Labour government, resulting in no migrants being sent to Rwanda under this policy.
Sir John’s Critique
In a recent interview with BBC’s Amol Rajan, Sir John Major—who served as Prime Minister from 1990 until 1997—described the proposal as “odious.” He articulated his concerns by stating that such measures were not only contrary to Conservative values but also fundamentally British principles. He remarked on how these actions could be perceived as lacking compassion: “I thought it was un-Conservative, un-British; if one dares say so in a secular society, un-Christian and unconscionable. This is not how we should treat people.”
When questioned about whether this scheme might serve as an effective deterrent against small boat crossings, he responded skeptically: “Are they seriously suggesting that somewhere deep within some North African country they are aware of what British Parliament has legislated? I think not.” He further noted that while it could potentially deter some individuals if implemented, he still found it morally objectionable.
Reflections on Party Dynamics
During his extensive discussion with Rajan, Sir John also shared insights regarding the future trajectory of the Conservative Party. He admitted that he had refrained from participating in many media interviews recently due to his inability to endorse actions taken by his predecessors. “There hasn’t been much I could say positively about what the last government did,” he explained.
With recent elections concluded and looking ahead for his party’s future direction, he felt more inclined to voice his opinions again. When asked whether he believed his party deserved its significant defeat during July’s general election—the worst loss recorded in its parliamentary history—Sir John acknowledged that sometimes democracy necessitates a change in leadership.
Reflecting on historical parallels with his own experience when Labour achieved a landslide victory under Tony Blair in 1997 after 18 years of Conservative governance, he stated: “We were fatigued after nearly two decades; we had exhausted our pool for fresh talent capable of reinvigorating our administration.” He drew similarities between then and now despite only 14 years having passed since their last major win.
A Call for Center-Right Appeal
Sir John urged fellow Conservatives to reconnect with their center-right base where their true support lies. He pointed out that during recent elections they lost significantly more seats to Labour and Liberal Democrats than they did to Reform UK—a right-wing party which claimed only five seats from them.
“Some members are recklessly suggesting we should merge with Reform UK,” he cautioned. “That would be disastrous.”
Despite these challenges facing the party post-defeat, Sir John remains hopeful about its prospects moving forward: “Having experienced such a severe setback provides us with an opportunity upon which we can build anew—in ways I believe can be quite effective.”
As for who will lead next within Tory ranks—a decision expected on November 2nd—Sir John has yet to declare any endorsements but emphasized wanting someone focused on long-term solutions who can attract genuine center-right supporters back into the fold.
The full interview featuring Amol Rajan interviewing Sir John Major is scheduled for broadcast at 19:00 BST on BBC Two and will subsequently be available via BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds starting at 06:00.
