It echoes concerns being raised by some Conservative backbenchers, as well as sentiments being picked up by the party’s strategists in voter focus groups.
Mr Sunak said: “If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries, and our capacity to help those who actually need our help most. The costs of accommodating these people will anger our citizens, who won’t understand why their money should have to be spent on dealing with the consequences of this evil trade.
“It will destroy the public’s faith not just in us as politicians but in our very systems of government.”
In an interview with The Telegraph last week, Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, criticised the Office for Budget Responsibility and Treasury, which see increased migration “as a good thing for the economy”, for failing to weigh up the “real pressure” the growing population puts on the NHS, schools and property market.
‘Hurricane of mass migration’
Mrs Braverman has been criticised for describing the flow of migrants across the Channel as “the invasion of our southern coast”. In October she warned of a “hurricane” of mass migration heading for the UK.
Mr Sunak cited a need for world leaders to apply “Thatcher’s radicalism and drive” in tackling illegal migration. He said that both he and Ms Meloni, who have been working together for months, were “determined to break the business model” of these criminal gangs involved in people trafficking.
He added: “If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, we must do that.
“Because if we don’t fix this problem now, the boats will keep coming and more lives will be lost at sea.”
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
