GB News presenter Alex Armstrong has accused the Government of telling 'complete lies' over Labour's new refugee policy, claiming it is designed only for 'good headlines'. On the Daily Expresso show, host JJ Anisiobi discussed plans unveiled by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requiring refugees to pay around £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support.
Armstrong dismisses policy as 'performative rubbish'
Armstrong argued that the policy is unlikely to result in asylum seekers paying the bill, deeming the Labour law as 'performative rubbish'. He said: 'How many students will pay off their student loans? It is just there because last week she said “oh, we’re going to allow more refugees into the country.” That’s her latest policy, so that set the right off, she got attacked quite a lot from the centre and the right.'
'This week she’s going “oh, what can I do, let me make sure they pay all their money back.” It is complete lies. 40% of them are in work earning under minimum wage, or about 23 grand a year. Most of them never go into work, so they are a net drain on the country even after they’ve left the hotels and can work, they're going to be on benefits from us.'
Policy aims to reduce pull factors
According to the Home Office, the scheme is intended to reduce the pull factors driving illegal migration. On June 27, Ms Mahmood sparked outrage by vowing to introduce new legal routes for refugees. The following day, she announced the £10,000 bill, stating the changes would demonstrate 'asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility'.
Labour has faced increased pressure to cut the £4bn of taxpayer money spent annually on asylum seeker accommodation and support. However, Armstrong dismissed the policy as 'performative politics' designed to appease the right, adding: 'The problem is these are good headlines for Labour and Shabana knows it. She’ll tell her left friends “don’t worry, they’ll never pay it back”.'
