Boris Johnson faced criticism for suggesting that civil servants who supported remaining in the EU were responsible for an increase in migration post-Brexit. Despite a recent drop in net migration to 171,000 in December 2025, figures show a peak of 944,000 in March 2023, dubbed the ‘Boriswave’ by critics.
In an interview with Sky News, Johnson referenced concerns about people leaving the UK after Brexit, attributing these fears to Whitehall officials influenced by pro-remain sentiments. He mentioned the need for social care workers but emphasized that measures were taken to control migration numbers promptly after realizing the situation.
Responding to Johnson’s remarks, Labour peer Ayesha Hazarika criticized his stance on immigration, calling him delusional and drawing a metaphor likening him to someone setting a fire and then criticizing safety measures. Johnson also downplayed the Partygate scandal, dismissing it as “nonsense” despite facing fines and leaving office due to the controversy.
Furthermore, Johnson used the interview to advise the incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to show unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. He stressed the importance of clarity in Western intentions towards Ukraine to deter further attacks by Putin.
The Partygate scandal, initially exposed by The Mirror, led to a parliamentary report revealing Johnson’s misleading statements and recommending a 90-day suspension, although he had resigned as an MP shortly before.
