The contrast between those blithe campaigns and this appalling landscape is unnerving, and raises profound questions about politicians and truth.
“People can claim asylum in France,” adds the Work and Pensions Secretary. “It is important for us to expand the Rwandan programme.”
Unless Ministers get more grown-up in their rhetoric, they are going to set expectations at a level they cannot and should not meet.
As one Cabinet Minister put it to me recently, the Treasury has never been interested in growth, just in collecting taxes.
My friend David Gauke was right to be vigilant about his important principle, but wrong to say it is in peril in the UK.
Some eight out of ten back the plan to deport some asylum seekers who enter the UK illegally to Rwanda.
“I don’t think these plans will work,” declares the Labour leader, but adds that he “wants to come down very hard on the criminal gangs.”
Paperwork is being put before people. Control above compassion. And bureaucracy ahead of agility.
Critics of the Rwanda plan need to set out a practical alternative proposal that will satisfy the British people.
I have favoured changing from a Beveridge benefits system to a Bismarckian one where a person’s contributions history determines what they can receive.
We need instead to process claims faster and create safe and legal routes for all asylum seekers.
Never forget: these applicants for asylum are coming from a European country that is already a safe haven.
This partnership is a world first and will change the way we collectively tackle illegal migration.
A new poll from Migration Watch shows that a majority of the public – and eight in ten Tories – want it reduced.