Edith Hejberg
Trump claimed that many migrants arriving by small boats are “bad people,”
During an unexpected media appearance at his Scottish golf course, US President Donald Trump gave Prime Minister Keir Starmer a dose of unsolicited but emphatic advice on how to handle Britain’s Channel migrant crisis. With reporters present, Trump warned of serious consequences if the UK doesn’t take stronger action against illegal crossings.
“Bad People” Coming Over in Boats, Says Trump
Trump claimed that many migrants arriving by small boats are “bad people,” potentially even convicts sent from foreign prisons. “Other countries aren’t stupid, they send the people they don’t want,” he said.
He praised Starmer for stepping up enforcement, but stressed more must be done.
Starmer Cites Migrant Returns, but Deportation Rates Lag
Starmer responded by pointing to his government’s deal with France and his reported return of 35,000 migrants in a year.
Only a fraction were forcibly removed, raising doubts about how effective the crackdown really is. Critics argue the numbers don’t match the rhetoric.
Trump Issues Stark Warning on Europe’s Future
The US President painted a bleak picture of unchecked migration’s impact, claiming Europe has become “a much different place” in the past decade.
He urged leaders to “get their act together” or risk losing the continent “as you know it.” His message was blunt: protect the borders or pay the price.
Labour Under Fire as Smuggling Prosecutions Collapse
Fresh figures reveal people smuggling prosecutions have plummeted under Labour, from 471 cases in 2023 to just 153 in the past year. Critics say this undermines Starmer’s pledge to “smash the gangs,” and accuse his government of being too lenient on criminal networks exploiting migrants.
Public Frustration Mounts as Crossings Surge
With Channel crossings expected to double in 2025, frustration is boiling over. Only 1% of the more than 43,000 illegal arrivals during Labour’s first year were charged.
Shadow ministers now warn the UK risks becoming “the illegal immigration capital of Europe” if urgent changes aren’t made.
Trump’s Visit: Golf, Politics, and Global Headlines
Though billed as a private getaway, Trump’s Scottish visit has been anything but low-key. Alongside media drama, he hosted trade discussions with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
His state visit is still to come in September—but he’s already made waves on British soil.
