CHANCELLOR Jeremy Hunt has snubbed the suggestion from Lee Anderson to send asylum seekers to Orkney as an alternative to the Rwanda plan.
The Tory Party deputy chairman said a “nice Scottish island” in the Orkneys would be a suitable place to process migrants.
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He made the comments on his GB News show after revealing he had previously discussed using the Falkland Islands with ex PM Boris Johnson.
Asked about Mr Anderson’s proposal, though, the Chancellor brushed it off as “colourful language”.
He told Sky News: “Lee will always have colourful suggestions, as he always does actually in British politics.
“But the fact of the matter is we will do what it takes to stop the boats, and I think we’ve had that clarity from Rishi Sunak.”
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt also rejected the idea, after being asked if the Falkland Islands would be used as an alternative to Rwanda.
She said: “I’m very happy to knock that one on the head. That it is not an alternative to Rwanda nor are various other places that have been mentioned, including the Orkney Islands.
“That would be definitely out given the reliability of SNP ferry services.”
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled the current plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful.
Earlier this week, Mr Anderson told his show : “I know it’s a bit parky up there this time of year. But if people are genuinely escaping war or persecution then a nice Scottish island with a few outbuildings would be suitable.
“This is a beautiful country. Parts of Scotland are a ‘go to’ destination, the remote islands – I’d like to be able to afford a place up there.
“If we can get some accommodation up there, keep these people safe – these people want to be safe, they’re fleeing so-called persecution from these war-torn countries.
“If we can find an island in the Orkneys or up there that’s got no-one on there to start off with, put some decent accommodation on, then it’s job done.”
Orkney and Shetland MP and Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Home Affairs Alistair Carmichael said Mr Anderson’s remarks had shown “disdain” towards his constituents.
