Labour MP Darren Jones appeared on BBC Question Time this week and whilst discussing illegal immigration via the English Channel he told the nation that "the majority of the people in these boats are children, babies and women". You can see the clip here.
There was an immediate backlash accusing Darren Jones of telling lies.
Reform UK Councillor Darren Grimes posted to X:
Treasury minister Darren Jones told the nation that most Channel migrants are “children, babies and women.”
Reality?
70% are men, according to the Home Office’s own data.
And No.10 refuses to correct it.
This government doesn’t just lie — it lies on purpose.
Britain’s had enough of lies, spin… and state-sanctioned deceit.
-- Darren Grimes, June 13, 2025
Kevin O'Sullivan, Presenter of The Political Asylum, was particularly scathing, posting to X:
Thanks @darrenpjones. So you lied to millions of @bbcquestiontime viewers. While everyone laughs at your pathetic grovelling excuse, take a tip: Don't lie on TV again. You'll get found out. We're not stupid. What you did last night, on the other hand, was incredibly stupid.
-- Kevin O'Sullivan, June 13, 2025
Rupert Lowe MP has written to Darren Jones asking him to make an urgent public correction. He posted his letter to X.
Last night on Question Time, Labour Minister @darrenpjones stated:
"The majority of the people in these boats are children, babies and women."
This is a lie.
I have written to the Minister, requesting an urgent public correction.
-- Rupert Lowe, June 13, 2025
Rupert Lowe's letter:
Dear Chief Secretary to the Treasury,
You stated last night on BBC Question Time - "The majority of the people in these boats are children, babies and women."
This is a lie.
Home Office figures show that 73% of small boat arrivals in 2024 were adult males.
An urgent public correction would be appreciated.
I would also respectfully suggest an eyesight test.
Yours sincerely,
Rupert Lowe MP
https://twitter.com/Conservatives/status/1933575303240061021
