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Trump asks new UK prime minister to tackle illegal migration

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Former US President Donald Trump urged new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to address illegal migration, warning it is "killing" the country.
  • Trump described the influx of migrants as an "invasion," citing arrivals from Africa, South America, and Asia.
  • His comments followed reports of over 500 migrants crossing the English Channel and came as Burnham's government faces scrutiny over its asylum seeker plans.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has directly urged the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to confront the issue of illegal migration, warning that it poses a severe threat to the United Kingdom. Speaking to GB News, Trump asserted that Burnham would inevitably have to address immigration, despite initially downplaying the subject after taking office.

He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country.

— Donald TrumpWarning UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham about the impact of illegal migration.

"He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country," Trump told the broadcaster. He characterized the ongoing arrivals as an "invasion," noting that migrants are coming from Africa, South America, and various parts of Asia. Trump specifically identified the UK as a "prime suspect" in this perceived crisis.

I know Starmer did very little about it, and they’re coming from all over the world. They’re coming from Africa. They’re coming from South America. They’re coming from different parts of Asia. They’re invading Europe. It’s an invasion, and the UK is a prime suspect.

— Donald TrumpDescribing the scale and origin of migration into Europe and the UK.

Trump's strong remarks were made shortly after reports indicated that over 500 migrants had crossed the English Channel into Britain. These crossings occurred via 11 small boats launched from the French and Belgian coasts. The timing of Trump's comments also coincides with the Burnham administration facing persistent questions regarding its strategies for managing asylum seekers and the use of hotels for housing them.

The work on that continues.

— Downing Street spokesmanResponding to questions about the government's plans to close asylum hotels.

Trump also reflected on his initial interactions with Prime Minister Burnham, acknowledging the significant challenges the new leader faces. He described a recent phone call as "interesting, and went very well," wishing Burnham "GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!" The former president also previously advised Burnham to expand North Sea oil drilling, suggesting it could transform the UK into one of the world's wealthiest nations. However, sources in Washington have reportedly expressed concern over Burnham's appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, due to Miliband's past criticisms of Trump.

A phone call between the duo was ‘interesting, and went very well’. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!

— Donald TrumpDescribing his recent conversation with Prime Minister Burnham.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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