Insider Critique: Conservative Candidate and Former MP James Sunderland Slams Rwanda Immigration Policy
James Sunderland, a Conservative parliamentary candidate and former MP for Bracknell, has publicly criticized the government’s flagship Rwanda immigration policy, labeling it as “crap.” Sunderland, who has served as an aide to Home Secretary James Cleverly, expressed his views during a private event in April.
In a recording from the event, Sunderland bluntly stated, “The policy is crap, OK? It’s crap.” Despite his harsh critique, he defended the policy’s intended deterrent effect, arguing that it aims to discourage migrants from crossing the Channel to enter the UK. He emphasized, “It’s not about the policy. It’s about the effect of the policy.
Sunderland made these remarks on April 2nd at a Young Conservatives event organized by the True Blue Patrons Supper Club. The event, titled “What’s it like behind the scenes at the Home Office,” provided a platform for Sunderland to share his insights from his tenure as a parliamentary private secretary to both Mr. Cleverly and Suella Braverman.
He elaborated, “I have been part of this for the last two years, and I’m immersed in it and I probably shouldn’t say too much. What I would say to you is that—nobody has got their cameras on, their phones—the policy is crap, OK? It’s crap.” He further explained, “But it’s not about the policy. It’s about the effect of the policy. It’s the second- or third-order effects.
Sunderland drew parallels to a similar policy in Australia, noting its “devastating effect” and expressing confidence that the first flights to Rwanda would send a significant deterrent signal to human trafficking gangs across the Channel.
Sunderland also criticized fellow Conservatives for courting controversy and polarizing public opinion. He stated, “I’m not saying stupid things. I’m not on the front page of the newspaper. I’m doing my job.” He contrasted his approach with that of Jonathan Gullis, Brendan Clarke-Smith, and Lee Anderson, who he accused of seeking media attention through divisive statements.
In response to the recording, Sunderland expressed disappointment over being recorded at a private event and clarified his comments. He told the BBC, “I candidly answered questions. I was talking about the response to the policy. The policy itself is not the be-all and end-all but part of a response.
A Conservative spokesperson defended the policy, stating, “Not everyone will like this policy, but having an effective deterrent is the only way to stop the boats.” Labour’s Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, criticized the policy as an “extortionate and failing gimmick,” calling for the Conservative party to admit the scheme’s.
In November, James Cleverly faced scrutiny after reports claimed he had privately described the Rwanda scheme as “batshit,” further fueling the controversy surrounding the policy.
The recording of James Sunderland’s candid remarks at a private event has sparked debate over the effectiveness and public perception of the government’s Rwanda immigration policy. As Sunderland seeks re-election, his comments highlight ongoing tensions within the Conservative party regarding the policy’s implementation and impact.