Labour would make UK magnet for illegal immigrants, Sunak says at campaign launch

Rishi Sunak speaks to delegates and party members at the launch of Conservative Party general election campaign at the Excel Centre (Photo: Getty Images)

Rishi Sunak claimed at the launch of the Conservatives election campaign that Labour would make Britain “a magnet for every illegal immigrant in Europe”.

The Prime Minister took aim at Sir Keir Starmer’s approach to managing border controls during his address to Conservative MPs including senior Cabinet members and activists at the ExCel Centre in East London.

He said: “Just look at our plan to cut migration and stop the boats with our Rwanda scheme. Across Europe, the penny is dropping but ours is the right approach.

“But if Labour become the next government, they’ll scrap the Rwanda scheme and enact a de facto amnesty for asylum seekers, making us a magnet for every illegal immigrant in Europe. In every way, Labour would make our country less secure.”

During his speech, he launched a series of attacks at Labour’s plan, and claimed if it was at the helm of the country it would be less secure.

But the event was marred in controversy just moments before Mr Sunak could take to the stage.

Sky News broadcaster Darren McCaffrey and his crew were escorted from the venue by two security guards, with the political correspondent saying they had not been allowed in due to broadcast pooling arrangements.

The evening began with the entry of Mr Sunak’s cabinet.

The crowd cheered as they entered the room before Home Secretary James Cleverly kicked off the rally with a speech.

Mr Cleverly introduced the Prime Minister to a roar of applause from the audience.

His supporters appeared to be in the mood for celebration, with members holding placards reading Vote Conservative and cheering to music as Mr Sunak took to the stage.

With his jacket ditched and his sleeves rolled up, the Prime Minister’s mood appeared to be one of excitement, though some of his Cabinet looked a little more serious and nervous.

Supporters cheered every time Mr Sunak praised his Government’s record and grunted at every mention of Sir Keir Starmer.

But the loudest applause of the evening came as Mr Sunak concluded his speech with a rallying cry, claiming his party would show Labour “the British people will never be taken for granted”.

He also unveiled a slogan for the campaign at the event – Clear Plan, Bold Action, Secure Future.