Boris Johnson is facing criticism for suggesting that pro-remain civil servants are to blame for an increase in migration following Brexit. The former Conservative leader, who left office amid scandal, claimed that prior to Brexit, there were fears of mass exodus from the UK.
Although net migration has decreased in recent years to 171,000 in the year ending December 2025, it peaked at 944,000 in the year ending March 2023, a trend that critics of the former Prime Minister have dubbed the ‘Boriswave.’
During an interview with Sky News, Johnson stated that some individuals believed Brexit would isolate the UK and prompt people to leave. He implied that this viewpoint influenced Whitehall, suggesting that pro-remain civil servants pushed for increased immigration for social care and related services.
Responding swiftly, Labour peer and broadcaster Ayesha Hazarika criticized Johnson’s perspective on immigration, calling him delusional for denying the rise in migration figures. She likened his behavior to someone setting a fire and then criticizing the fire alarm choice, deeming his actions as detached from reality.
Johnson also dismissed the Partygate scandal as “nonsense,” despite being fined and leaving office as a result of the controversy. The scandal, involving lockdown-breaching parties at 10 Downing Street, was exposed by The Mirror and led to a report finding that Johnson misled Parliament multiple times regarding the events.
In his recent interview, Johnson advised the incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to show unwavering support for Ukraine against Russia. He emphasized the need for clarity on Western intentions towards Ukraine to deter further aggression from Putin, highlighting NATO’s role in the region’s stability.
