Rylan Clark has issued a statement doubling down on comments he made about illegal immigration on This Morning.
The TV presenter, 36, was hosting the ITV daytime show during a discussion about mass deportation plans proposed by Reform leader Nigel Farage.
The controversial far-right leader has said his party would deport 600,000 illegal migrants over five years, if they were to win the next election and come to power.
In the comments, Clark said that while immigration has been a foundational part of building today’s country, there needs to be a policy to address the Channel boat crossings.
Following criticism of his comments, Clark has since shared a fresh statement to his Instagram feed and his X account.
In white text against a black background, the post read: ‘You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes.
‘You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women.
‘You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights.
‘The list continues. Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.’
Speaking to co-host Josie Gibson, as well as guests in the studio Camilla Tominey and Tim Campbell, Rylan praised legal immigrants to the UK, saying: ‘[The UK] is built on immigration.
‘Legal immigration — a lot of the nurses, the doctors that have saved my mum’s life, have come over here from other countries.
‘They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.’
Rylan then continued: ‘I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel.
‘And when they get here, it does seem, and I think this is why a lot of Labour voters as well are saying there’s something wrong, it feels like, “Welcome, come on in”. That’s the narrative we’re being fed.
‘Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel. Here’s three meals a day. Here’s a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time and welcome.’
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