Political Drama: Cleverly Defends Aide’s ‘Crap’ Comment on Rwanda Policy as Strategic, Amid Election Tensions

Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that the aide who criticized the Rwanda policy as 'crap' did so for 'dramatic effect.'

James Sunderland, the MP for Bracknell since 2019 and currently seeking re-election, was captured on tape making these comments at an exclusive event in April.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Sunday, June 23, 2024, 11:

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Home Secretary James Cleverly explained to Sky News that his assistant described the Rwanda policy as "crap" merely for emphasis, although he actually supports the policy.

James Sunderland, the incumbent MP for Bracknell since 2019 and a candidate for re-election, was captured on tape at a private gathering in April stating: "I have been involved in this for the past two years, deeply engaged, and perhaps I shouldn't reveal too much.

"I would tell you that nobody is using their cameras or phones – the policy is terrible, it really is."

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Mr. Sunderland, who previously served as a parliamentary private secretary to both Mr. Cleverly and his predecessor, Suella Braverman, subsequently supported the strategy, arguing that it would discourage migrants from attempting to traverse the Channel. This was reported by the BBC, which initially acquired the recording.

"The focus is on the impact of the policy, not the policy itself," he stated during the gathering of Young Conservatives, which was themed "Behind the Scenes at the Home Office."

Mr. Cleverly expressed to Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: "It caught me off guard since I was aware that James had shown a lot of support, both for me personally and for the policy.

"I spoke with him and listened to the recording, and it's evident that he's making a rather unconventional claim to capture interest.

"When you pay attention to his subsequent remarks, he emphasized that the consequences are what really count."

"He continued by mentioning the preventive impact observed in Australia, which implements a similar policy.

He also mentioned that the launch of the initial flights would create a significant impact, in his own terms, a shockwave across the Channel. This would deliver a strong, unequivocal message to both human traffickers and those entrusting themselves to these smugglers.

"He obviously did it to make a dramatic impact and capture the audience's attention, but from the recording, it's evident that he fully supports the deterrent impact of the Rwanda policy."

Further reading: Another senior Conservative member faces scrutiny over allegations of election wagering. Union leader argues Labour needs to increase borrowing to support struggling employees.

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In November, it was reported that Mr. Cleverly had allegedly referred to the Rwanda plan as "batshit" in private conversations.

When questioned about whether he made such a statement, he responded to Trevor Phillips, saying, "No. My frustration with the policy has occasionally stemmed from what I perceived as an overwhelming emphasis on it, often at the expense of other important issues.

"The policy involving Rwanda is crucial, yet it represents just one element among a broader array of strategies addressing this issue. This includes agreements on repatriations, such as those with Albania, and the establishment of a command dedicated to small boat operations."

The other individuals running for election in Bracknell include:

Olivio Barreto, Freelance

Katie Mansfield, representing the Liberal Democrats

Jason Peter Reardon, a representative from the Heritage

Peter Swallow, member of the Labour Party

Emily Torode, representing the Green Party

Malcolm Tullett, associated with Reform UK

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