A GOVERNMENT minister consistently confused Albania with Romania during an interview about immigration on Radio 4.
Mel Stride, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, was asked about Rishi Sunak's pledge to “stop the boats”.
He explained: “What we’ve got to do is use a number of measures all aimed at breaking the model. The model being those trafficking gangs who are taking often quite substantial amounts of money from people that are coming over and going across the short Dover Straits.
“We for example had a deal with Romania which has now meant that by returning people straight away to Romania the number of Romanians coming here has dropped.”
READ MORE: Andy Murray among signatories of letter to Rishi Sunak on child health
It was then pointed out to Stride by the presenter that he in fact meant Albania. The UK Government agreed a deal with the country in a bid to cut migration numbers.
Stride replied: “Sorry I do mean Albania; I beg your pardon.”
However, he then made the same mistake again as he was quizzed on reducing the number of people coming to the UK via small boats.
He said that there was a deal with Romania before stumbling over his words and having it pointed out to him once again by the presenter that the deal was in fact with Albania.
Many on Twitter were quick to point out the error with one saying the interview was “not very impressive” while a second added that it was an “embarrassing mistake”.
It comes as the UK Government faces further hurdles as its Illegal Migration Bill returns to the Commons.
MPs will vote on Tuesday on changes backed by the House of Lords after the draft legislation suffered 20 defeats in the upper chamber.
The bill is central to Rishi Sunak’s pledge to “stop the boats” – one of five key commitments for his leadership.
READ MORE: SNP and Greens need to look for a way to work with Labour
Critics of the legislation, including the SNP, have argued it is morally unacceptable and unworkable.
The bill will see those who arrive in the UK without Government permission detained and removed, either to their home country or somewhere else, such as Rwanda – the plans for which are now set for a battle at the Supreme Court.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel