Labour MP torn apart on LBC in 'car crash' grilling as they can't answer simple question

Labour MP Nick Thomas-Symonds was brutally torn apart in an LBC interview as he couldn't give a confident answer. The 45-year-old appeared on the radio channel and was quizzed by host Nick Ferrari over how to question suspected people smugglers in Dover. However, the minister couldn't elaborate on the details and stuttered over his answer. The MP for Torfaen previously emphasised his dedication to maintaining national safety, which includes improved coordination with European allies to dismantle gangs responsible for small boat arrivals in Dover.

Ferrari had a clear idea of how to question suspects, saying on air: "You've mentioned the police and your determination to smash the gangs. When these people are delivered to Dover, what level of interviews are they given?"

The Labour minister attempted to form an answer but only said: "So, I-I don't - Nick specifically, couldn't tell you. Obviously, each detail of those things..." to which Ferrari interrupted: "Do we ask them, 'Where did you get the boat?' 'What was the man's name?' 'How much were you charged?' Are those interviews taking place, minister?"

He replied, "Absolutely expect that to be taken." Ferrari then said, "No, no, you expect it to be, but are they? Because it would seem to be, for the purpose of debate, 800 people arrived today, there's going to be a fair amount of intelligence.

"So, what number of police officers, or this new squad, what interviews take place to gain that intelligence? I don't think there is any, and you've got to tell me that I'm wrong. Am I wrong?"

The Labour MP then said: "Well, the border security demand that we have created is looking at precisely that and gathering information."

Ferrari then continued to question him, asking, "How many interviews have they done with the twenty-plus thousand people who've arrived?"

Thomas-Symonds responded: "I can't tell you the precise number of interviews. But I can tell you, I have worked very closely in this area..." Ferrari then interrupted: "Why aren't we questioning these people, minister?"

The Labour Minister said that he was guarding his answer to Ferrari and cited that government ministers "have to tread carefully when we talk about intelligence gathering."

One person reacted on X: "Another car crash interview from Labour. They really don't have a clue. The borders are wide open and illegal immigration has gone up 50% from last year. It's utter failure."

A second also said: "It is not rocket science. I love the way @NickFerrariLBC doesn't shirk from asking what most people would expect to be happening!"

But one person defended the Labour Minister and said: "He is not being guarded he either doesn't know what intelligence is being gathered or more likely there aren't any interviews taking place and he doesn't want to admit to that fact."