Freedom of Speech

“Just under 20% were actually British.” That’s the moment Nadhim Zahawi exposed the “consultation” on indefinite leave to remain and Emily Thornberry’s reaction said everything. Thornberry insisted: “This was not an announcement, it was a consultation and hundreds of thousands of people answered that consultation.” Zahawi: “What was the percentage of people who answered the consultation that were actually British?” Her reaction is telling. She acts as if it’s an outrageous, bewildering thing to ask, then dramatically replies: “What? You mean people who live here? Or do you mean people who have British nationality?” Zahawi: “People who have British nationality? I think it was just under 20% if I’m not mistaken.” She clearly didn’t want to touch it. That figure shows the consultation was largely meaningless as a measure of British public opinion. Lucky for her, Peston immediately jumped in and moved on! Right at the most important part of the exchange. Plenty of people watching won’t know those details, and cutting it off there meant they never heard them. It looked like he was protecting her. Her response made the distinction plain. This government sees no real difference between British nationals and their interests, and simply “people who live here”. More evidence, if any was needed, that Labour does not prioritise British people.