Tory MP under fire for saying it is “immoral and illiterate” for UK to take in more Ukrainian refugees.
Daniel Kawczynski had previously been condemned by Jewish organisations for speaking at a 'far-right' conference in Rome
A Tory MP who previously infuriated communal leaders by attending a conference with “some of Europe’s most notorious far-right politicians” has now said it is “immoral and illiterate” for the UK to take in more Ukrainian refugees.
Daniel Kawczynski suggested “British left-wing parties” were behind demands to allow more refugees in the country this week.
He tweeted: “This is illiterate and immoral. When war is over Ukrainians will need to return home to rebuild their country.
“We should be supporting Ukrainian refugees in frontline states like Poland and Romania.”
The MP eventually deleted the tweet after he came under fire from politicians on all sides of the House, including Tory colleagues.
Simon Hoare, chairman of the Commons Northern Ireland Committee, told Mr Kawczynski he does “not speak for the Tory Party”.
A Jewish Labour Movement source told Jewish News: “These comments by Daniel Kawczynski are just the latest in a whole series of appalling remarks made by this MP.
“To describe calls to welcome Ukranian refugees into this country as ‘immoral’, is beyond contempt.”
In 2020, the Shrewsbury MP was condemned by the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Labour Movement amongst others, after he spoke at a National Conservativism conference in Rome, where speakers included Hungary’s far-right prime minister Viktor Orban.
Also at the conference in February 2020 were Matteo Salvini, a hardline anti-immigration leader, while fellow speaker Ryszard Legutko is a Polish Law and Justice MEP who reportedly described homophobia as a “totally fictitious problem”.
Marion Marechal, the niece of far-right leader Marine Le Pen, was also on the line-up.
The MP, who was born in Warsaw, and came to the UK as a child, was eventually reprimanded for his conduct over the event.
Earlier this year he was given a one day suspension from the Commons or undermining an initial apology for bullying staff.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
