Rudd attacks 'baffling' and unrealistic small boat plan
The Independent|March 10, 2023
Former Conservative home secretary Amber Rudd has called the government’s new small boats law “baffling” and accused her successor of making promises that “can’t be delivered”.
LIZZIE DEARDEN
Rudd attacks 'baffling' and unrealistic small boat plan

The ex-MP, who led the Home Office between 2016 and 2018, told an event in London: "Stop the boats - really? How? When? [They] promise things that can't be delivered and people get irritated and run out of patience." Ms Rudd, who stood down as an MP after Boris Johnson became prime minister, accused the government of "not being frank and straight with the British people" about what was possible. "In terms of the current plans, I find it baffling that the home secretary is proposing legislation which she admits is probably illegal," she added.

The former MP said that small boat crossings had started rising during her last year as home secretary, but that officials believed at the time that dinghies were "much too dangerous" to be widely used.

Ms Rudd told an event hosted by the Reform think tank that under Theresa May's government, ministers would "get out the map to find out where people were coming from in northern France".

This story is from the March 10, 2023 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 10, 2023 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
Strong PGA field as McIlroy aims to turn back the years
The Independent

Strong PGA field as McIlroy aims to turn back the years

Rory Mcllroy arrives at the scene of his last major triumph in excellent form as he bids to end his 10-year major drought.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 16, 2024
Ange angry that fans choose envy over the glory game
The Independent

Ange angry that fans choose envy over the glory game

It was one of the moments of the season, one that people will talk about for years, but might well have been followed by something that said much more about the modern history of Tottenham Hotspur.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 16, 2024
United edge win despite error-strewn performance
The Independent

United edge win despite error-strewn performance

If this proves Erik ten Hag’s farewell to Old Trafford, at least it summed up some of the finest elements of the Dutchman’s fraught second season at Manchester United.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 16, 2024
HIGHWAY TO HELL
The Independent

HIGHWAY TO HELL

Director George Miller unleashes carnage at every turn in kinetic Mad Max prequel 'Furiosa'

time-read
2 mins  |
May 16, 2024
Every househunter needs a Kirstie or Phil of their own
The Independent

Every househunter needs a Kirstie or Phil of their own

Buying a home is one of life’s most stressful experiences and most of us are out there flying blind. Helen Coffey asks why we can’t all have a crack team to help us make decisions

time-read
5 mins  |
May 16, 2024
'Calling in unhappy' could be a game-changer at work
The Independent

'Calling in unhappy' could be a game-changer at work

A supermarket chain in China will allow its staff to take up to 10 ‘unhappy days' a year. Bring it on

time-read
4 mins  |
May 16, 2024
I don't feel safe flying on a Boeing – can I avoid them?
The Independent

I don't feel safe flying on a Boeing – can I avoid them?

I am travelling to Las Vegas in July and have made a conscious effort to fly on British Airways with an Airbus A350 rather than Virgin Atlantic's Boeing 787.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 16, 2024
'For women, it's like living in a country ruled by apes'
The Independent

'For women, it's like living in a country ruled by apes'

Following last week's firebombing of two lesbian couples in Buenos Aires, Anna Hart speaks to Argentinian women who fear the rise of violence under the new president Javier Milei

time-read
5 mins  |
May 16, 2024
Israeli defence chief rejects PM's plan for post-war Gaza
The Independent

Israeli defence chief rejects PM's plan for post-war Gaza

Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant has publicly hit out at prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans for a post-war Gaza – vowing to oppose any long-term military rule by Israel.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 16, 2024
Trump 'ready to rumble' as he accepts debate challenge
The Independent

Trump 'ready to rumble' as he accepts debate challenge

US president Joe Biden trolled Donald Trump about his ongoing criminal hush-money trial as he dared his rival to go head-tohead with him in a presidential debate.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 16, 2024