I live in Rochdale AND Rwanda. I know which migrants would prefer

VERY few of those criticising the Government’s policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda know anything about the country. I do. I have a home in the African nation and spend much time there with my fiancee, Claudine.

I categorically believe it’s fine for Britain to send illegal immigrants to Rwanda. It’s certainly better than sending them to Rochdale – the Greater Manchester constituency I represented as a Labour MP for several years, and where I still have a home.

Rwandans are proud, welcoming people with strong energy, agriculture, trade, hospitality and financial service sectors. The country also specialises in dealing with the type of people who would be sent from the UK.

The fact is that the people flown to Rwanda will have greater opportunities than if dumped in places such as Rochdale, which has been Government policy for some time.

Those opposing the Home Secretary’s policies often don’t have to live with the consequences of illegal immigration. Towns such as Rochdale have limited resources. The NHS is over-stretched, schools are full and there’s a long waiting list for social housing.

I also know that, because of the influx of illegal immigrants into the area, it is losing its identity and traditional Lancashire character. The Government’s Rwandan strategy is a humane way of dealing with people-traffickers. It will reduce the number of cross-Channel economic migrants and alleviate pressure on struggling towns.

Many Labour MPs believe in open borders. Some, too, shamefully downplayed the child sex abuse perpetrated by British Pakistani grooming gangs, such as happened in Rochdale. Perhaps this is one of the reasons so many in Labour oppose the UK’s Rwandan immigration policy. The country is exceptionally strong on law and order, with a zero tolerance approach to any sort of crime.

If Labour is serious about winning back seats in the North, it would do better to drop its woke attitude towards criminals, immigration and diversity, and start supporting the Government’s Rwanda policy.

But I won’t hold my breath.