Former Prime Minister Sir John Major has recently made headlines with sharp criticisms directed at his party, the Conservative Party, particularly focusing on their immigration policies. Major contends the previous government’s Rwanda scheme, intended to deter asylum seekers by relocating them to Africa, is not only ineffective but also fundamentally un-British and un-Conservative.
During an interview with BBC’s Amol Rajan, Major expressed his intense dislike for what he perceives as society’s growing sentiment against immigration. He remarked, “I dislike intensely the way society has come to regard immigration as an ill.” Major’s condemnation didn’t stop there; he argued the Rwanda program epitomized the wrong approach to handling migration today. “This is really not the way to treat people,” he emphasized, fundamentally questioning the morality of such policies.
Major does not mince words when he describes the government’s actions as akin to historical transportation, where convicted felons were sent from the UK to distant lands. He stated plainly, “I don’t think transportation... is a policy suitable for the 21st century.” His point raises eyebrows with its historical parallels, asserting the disconnection between contemporary values and outdated practices. This comparison seems to aim at highlighting the need for more humane solutions to immigration rather than punitive measures.
Criticism of the Rwanda scheme isn't purely theoretical. Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, had previously scrapped the initiative, redirecting funds allocated for it toward their own plans for border security. Major articulated his concerns asking rhetorically, “Are they seriously saying to me... they actually know what the British Parliament has legislated for? I think not.” His sentiment reflects widespread skepticism about the efficacy of deterrent policies where their visibility often fails to resonate with potential asylum seekers.
This discourse about immigration policy is part of broader conversations taking place within the Conservative Party itself, as various factions vie for leadership and direction. Major, who helmed the government from 1990 to 1997, indicated he has yet to align himself with any of the current contenders vying for leadership within the party. Names like Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat have emerged as possible successors to push the party forward.
He advocates for individuals who can unite the party’s core values, stating, “I would like to support someone who’s going to look at the long-term problems and make suggestions to bring people back... who are genuinely centre right.” That call for unity ties back to Major’s assessment of the party’s present challenges, especially with the rise of parties like Reform UK, from which he warns against merging, as it “will be fatal.” This notion of party identity and ideological clarity is something he believes could help the Conservatives reconnect with their traditional supporters.
Major's comments also express concerns over how far the Conservatives have strayed from their roots, describing them traditionally as “commonsense” and implying their current stance on immigration deviates significantly from past principles. “I’m optimistic,” he stated, reflecting his belief the party can rebuild following recent electoral defeats. Major sees potential for growth provided they can recapture support from the middle ground, which he believes is core to the Conservative identity.
Further deepening the conversation, Major has also weighed in on whether controversial figures such as Nigel Farage should find any home within the Conservative Party. He closely critiqued the notion of inviting Farage back, asserting firmly, “I don’t think he’s a Conservative, and he’s spent most of his time... telling people how much he dislikes the Conservative Party.” This rejection of Farage, who has long been known for his staunch anti-immigration rhetoric, underlines Major’s pursuit of returning to more moderate and broadly appealing Conservative principles.
While Major's sentiments resonate with those who share his concerns about immigration policy, his critiques make clear the internal struggle within the Conservatives as they navigate their identity and approach to immigration. His remarks come at a pivotal moment when the national discussion around immigration is intensifying, marked by fear, misconception, and policy shifts aimed at fortifying borders. The question lingers — will the Conservative Party take heed of these critiques, or continue on a path perceived by some as increasingly distant from British values? The outcome remains to be seen.
