Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Christian Turner, said Monday that the United Kingdom has slashed net migration by 82% and deported more than 80,000 foreigners with no legal right to remain in the country, crediting those moves with keeping Britain from experiencing unrest similar to what has unfolded in France.
Turner made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Special Report.” Asked by host Bret Baier whether there is a direct link between immigration and the turmoil in France, Turner did not dodge the question.
“Well, all of our countries are acting against irregular migration and trying to keep our borders secure. So, I think that is part of the story that often get raises with me. But the reason I am confident that we won’t be seeing these scenes in the U.K. is because some of the action that we’re taking.”
Turner framed the challenge facing Western nations in two parts: sustaining economic growth and managing “the weight of welfare for aging populations.”
“First, is a story of growth, and, in the end, all our populations want to see growth, and the weight of welfare for aging populations, that’s a challenge. The good news in the U.K. is that we’re acting on that. Our net migration is down 82%. And we’ve removed over 80,000 foreigners who don’t have a right to be in the country.”
On the economic side, Turner pointed to recent numbers he said back up Britain’s approach.
“So, it’s both a story of trying to promote economic growth and deal with some of those other issues. On economic growth, we were the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first half of this year, and the IMF has actually just raised its forecast of us and praising the work we’re doing to try and reduce our deficit. So, I think action can be taken.”
Turner’s comments arrive as France continues to grapple with unrest that commentators have increasingly linked to migration policy. The ambassador’s message was straightforward: border enforcement and deportations are working, and he believes they are the reason Britain has avoided the scenes playing out across the Channel.
