Ruthless migrant smuggling gangs have praised Welby’s attack on Rwanda plan

Ruthless gangs that send illegal migrants to Britain on small boats from France have praised the Archbishop of Canterbury for his attack on the Government’s flagship Bill on immigration.

The gangs, based at the migrant camp in Dunkirk – the biggest in northern France – told The Mail on Sunday that what Justin Welby said was ‘good’ as it meant more ‘people will be able to go to England and not be sent to Rwanda‘.

Gang members said they would wait to see if the Government’s plan to send illegal migrants to central Africa will now be stopped. Archbishop Welby attacked the Illegal Migration Bill in the House of Lords on Wednesday, calling it ‘morally unacceptable and politically impractical’, adding that it risked causing ‘great damage’ to Britain’s interests and reputation at home and abroad. 

He was criticised in the UK for being ‘out of touch’, but was lauded by people smugglers in Dunkirk.

The gangs, based at the migrant camp in Dunkirk – the biggest in northern France – told The Mail on Sunday that what Justin Welby (pictured) said was ‘good’

Gang members said they would wait to see if the Government’s plan to send illegal migrants to central Africa will now be stopped

Archbishop Welby attacked the Illegal Migration Bill in the House of Lords on Wednesday, calling it ‘morally unacceptable and politically impractical’, adding that it risked causing ‘great damage’ to Britain’s interests and reputation at home and abroad.

Aziz, 23, tried to take five friends to Dover on a dinghy last week, but was stopped by French police who cut up his inflatable boat.

The Iraqi, who claims to have two brothers in London, is planning another attempt. He added: ‘What this man said was good. Nobody wants to go to Rwanda. I will kill to not go to Rwanda.’

Adam, 33, a Turkish Kurd and suspected gang member who runs a food stall in the camp, said: ‘What this priest said is good. People in Rwanda are leaving for Europe.’