Former UK Prime Minister Sir John Major has voiced strong criticism of the Conservative government’s controversial Rwanda asylum policy, describing it as outdated, “un-Conservative,” and “un-British.” Major argued that this approach reflects a broader societal issue, where immigration is unfairly viewed as a problem, and he doubted whether the policy would have truly deterred asylum seekers.

Keir Starmer, who became Prime Minister in July, swiftly dismantled the Rwanda scheme, which had been designed by the previous Tory government to send those arriving in the UK illegally to the East African nation. The Conservatives believed this would act as a deterrent to asylum seekers.

However, Major questioned this logic, stating: “Are they seriously saying that people in remote parts of Africa are aware of what the British Parliament has legislated? I think not.” He emphasized that many who arrive on small boats are simply unsure of where else to turn.

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The former Prime Minister described the Rwanda plan as “unchristian” and “unconscionable,” comparing it to historical practices of transportation used in Britain centuries ago. In an interview with the BBC, Major reflected on how criminals were once shipped abroad after a trial, arguing that such a method has no place in the 21st century.

In the wake of scrapping the Rwanda policy, Labour has redirected funds originally allocated for the scheme to bolster the Border Security Command. Major applauded this move, further criticizing the notion of a Conservative merger with Reform UK, warning it would be “fatal” for the party.

As the Conservative Party continues to seek new leadership, with candidates like Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, and James Cleverly in the running, Major expressed his hope that the next leader would bring the party back to its “centre-right” roots, prioritizing long-term solutions.

When asked about Nigel Farage potentially joining the Conservative Party, Major dismissed the idea, noting that Farage had spent years expressing disdain for the party, making him an unlikely fit for its future direction.