Yes, he said this, word for word, I checked
Firstly it's a downright lie, as not a single one of them crossed to the mainland (they need a visa from Ceuta and if they had one, why put themselves through the risk of drowning etc, they would have travelled legally on it long ago)
Secondly and more widely, I'm sorry but it takes a particular kind of gall to constantly fan these often racist flames, when ππππ πππ πππππππ were basically economic migrants, looking for a better life, fleeing from conflict and poverty in Sri Lanka. The only difference is his parents were much luckier than the people he constantly whips up hate against (for reasons best known to himself) in that the UK ππππ came to in the 80s and he grew up in was a much more welcoming place for "migrants," economic or otherwise
If you have a spare 3 mins and 45 secs today, watch this fantastic grilling by Sally Nugent on BBC Breakfast.
The very first time I've seen Farage questioned properly about his Β£5M bung, and it's fair to say, he totally fluffed it.
There are points when you can see Farage tremble and even accuse the BBC of putting him in danger. π€¦ββοΈ
It was for security. It was for cars. Nobody cares. It's no one's business. He won't tell us. DANGER!
At one point, he let slip that the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards may 'disagree' with him on the rules around donations.
He knows he's going to be found guilty on this one. He's in trouble, and his face gave it away gloriously.
Top hats off to Sally Nugent. Stellar work. π
@jondrytay@MesserBest The problem there is itβs not marginal now. It was last time, itβs one of Reformβs easiest gains next time (if nothing changes candidate-wise).
@jondrytay@MesserBest Itβs a massive if, it really is. Although he talked about doing it at the start of the year. PR for the Commons would change the UK forever, it should have been the first thing Starmer didβ¦
I think if Burnham wins it heβs easily PM but thatβs also another big if.
@jondrytay I know a lot of people who would passionately disagree with that. I think class definitions have changed beyond comprehension in recent years, itβs a whole different thing to what I always thought it was. Itβs very interesting.