GB News star Matt Goodwin launched a blistering attack on Labour's immigration policies during last night's BBC Question Time, accusing the party of deceiving the British public, leaving Government minister Jacqui Smith visibly frustrated.
"The Labour Party are lying to you on illegal migration", the political commentator declared during a heated exchange.
Goodwin said that taxpayers face a staggering £234 billion bill over the next two decades due to current immigration policies.
He argued that more people have entered Britain on small boats than Labour has managed to remove, with most departures being voluntary rather than enforced removals.
Jacqui Smith was left visibly frustrated by Goodwin's remarks
BBC / QUESTION TIME
The stark criticism came amid growing national debate over immigration controls and border security.
Goodwin laid out a series of specific criticisms of Labour's approach to immigration enforcement.
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Matt Goodwin set out why exactly he thinks the Labour Party is lying to the British public
BBC
He claimed the party had dismantled the only effective deterrent system that "was working" before recent changes.
According to Goodwin, Labour's policies included decriminalising illegal migration and removing age checks for those entering the country.
He also pointed to the party's reluctance to reduce welfare benefits for new arrivals.
"They're going to keep coming because we have no deterrent", Goodwin warned, noting that numbers were up 15 per cent from the previous year.
Keir Starmer is under pressure to tackle high levels of illegal migration
PAIn a detailed breakdown of the consequences, Goodwin highlighted Labour's policy allowing indefinite leave to remain after five years of residency.
He explained that this policy grants extensive rights to migrants, including full access to the NHS and student loans.
The policy also enables those granted indefinite leave to bring additional family members to Britain.
"If you've been here for five years, you have indefinite leave to remain... and you can stay forever", Goodwin told the Question Time audience.
The comments highlighted growing concerns about the long-term implications of current immigration policies for public services.
The heated Question Time debate comes as the Home Office implements tougher citizenship rules for illegal migrants.
New guidance published this week makes it "nearly impossible" for refugees arriving by small boat to obtain British citizenship.
The Home Office has specified that those making "dangerous journeys", including travelling by small boat or concealed in vehicles, will "normally be refused citizenship".
Labour MP Stella Creasy criticised the changes, arguing: "If we give someone refugee status, it can't be right to then refuse them route to become a British citizen".
The move forms part of a broader government crackdown on illegal migration amid escalating numbers.
