In 2022 Robert Jenrick, as migration minister, increased procurement of hotels for asylum seekers and noted November as a high month for Channel crossings. He expressed empathy for refugees and said he would never demonise people seeking a better life. In a later visit to Epping he publicly supported protesters outside the Bell hotel and was pictured near a well-known far-right activist. Supporters praise his provocative public appearances and social media stunts, citing viral videos such as confronting fare dodgers. Supporters argue his tactics help Conservatives compete with Reform UK and outmanoeuvre populist right figures, though such appearances carry political risk.
Suella Braverman [the former home secretary] and her predecessor, Priti Patel, were procuring more hotels, he told Sky News. What I have done in my short tenure is ramp that up and procure even more. Because November, historically, has been one of the highest months of the year for migrants illegally crossing the Channel. I would never demonise people coming to this country in pursuit of a better life. And I understand and appreciate our obligation to refugees.
Jenrick's inflammatory visit to Epping, where he was pictured close to a well-known far-right activist, showed why he is in some ways one of the most effective members of the shadow cabinet, but also the political risks of his sometimes controversial public appearances. Supporters argue that no one else in the shadow cabinet is so adept at seizing the political initiative.
They point to his much-discussed recent social media videos, including one of him accosting fare dodgers on the London underground, as evidence of his success. And they add his appearance in Epping, where not even the Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has sought to go, shows he is one of a small number of Conservatives able to outmanoeuvre his populist rightwing opponents.
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