Poging GOUD - Vrij
Macron is right: Brexit is to blame for small boats crisis
The Independent
|July 12, 2025
If there was one thing that symbolised what many still see as the fraudulent approach of Brexiteers during the EU referendum campaign, it was the infamous bus promising £350m extra a week for the NHS.
But maybe Brexit critics should consider another image.
In the view of Emmanuel Macron, expressed during a joint press conference with Keir Starmer on Thursday to unveil a one in, one out migration exchange deal, the real whopper was told by Brexiteers when, in 2016, Nigel Farage unveiled his controversial poster featuring thousands of migrants at the EU border alongside the slogan “Breaking Point”. It came with a claim that if the UK did not leave the EU, it would be forced to accept all those preparing to stampede across Europe.
In an epic rant on the subject of Brexit, the French president, who refused to meet with Farage during his three-day state visit, was clear that he considered this the biggest lie of all.
To the obvious embarrassment of the prime minister, who was standing next to him, Macron did not hold back on his view that promises to control immigration, both legal and illegal, and to put an end to out-of-control numbers, had been used disingenuously by those who wanted to leave the EU.
He said: “The British people were sold a lie that the problem was Europe. For the first time in nine years, Britain is being pragmatic.” But it is worth looking at the detail of what he said, in terms of how leaving the EU not only failed to solve the problem but made it worse.
Dit verhaal komt uit de July 12, 2025-editie van The Independent.
Abonneer u op Magzter GOLD voor toegang tot duizenden zorgvuldig samengestelde premiumverhalen en meer dan 9000 tijdschriften en kranten.
Bent u al abonnee? Aanmelden
MEER VERHALEN VAN The Independent
The Independent
World news in brief
Investigation into Swiss bar fire extends to mayor
2 mins
March 10, 2026
The Independent
Sports news in brief
Hammers into last eight after spot-kick howler
3 mins
March 10, 2026
The Independent
A tourism tax will give our museums a shot in the arm
From Toronto to Kyoto, from Barcelona to New York City, overnight hotel levies are now the norm for visiting tourists.
3 mins
March 10, 2026
The Independent
Farage buys £200k stake in Kwarteng's bitcoin venture
Nigel Farage has acquired a significant stake in a bitcoin reserve business helmed by Liz Truss's former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.
2 mins
March 10, 2026
The Independent
SPECIAL SOMEONE
Sarah Jones picks Mother's Day gifts for every type of mum
13 mins
March 10, 2026
The Independent
Crufts champion's historic charge for animal cruelty
The breeder behind this year's Best in Show winner at Crufts has a previous conviction for animal cruelty.
2 mins
March 10, 2026
The Independent
Atletico give Spurs a sight of their alternative reality
These proud clubs from capital cities were once comparable, but Tottenham's downward spiral has rendered this evening's last-16 clash essentially meaningless, writes Richard Jolly
4 mins
March 10, 2026
The Independent
STROKE OF GENIUS
Ellie Harrison explains why 'Marty Supreme', starring a sweaty and magnetic Timothée Chalamet, is the year's finest film, and would be a worthy winner of the Best Picture Oscar
4 mins
March 10, 2026
The Independent
Business news in brief
Flurry of mortgage rate hikes to hit homeowners
2 mins
March 10, 2026
The Independent
No country can own Britain – and that includes the USA
I would like to think that, were Ed Davey prime minister, rather than an opposition politician desperately seeking relevance, he would not be asking the King and Queen to pull their planned state visit to the United States next month.
3 mins
March 10, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
