Andy Burnham and Nigel Farage have exchanged heated messages on social media over a programme that provides support to migrants in Greater Manchester. The clash began after Mr Farage shared a Telegraph article claiming that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) spends over £700,000 to help migrants obtain housing and benefits through its 'Safer Transitions' programme.
Mr Farage posted on X: 'Andy Burnham is for them, not for you. Vote Reform in Makerfield.' In response, Mr Burnham accused the Reform UK leader of being 'desperate', adding: 'Desperate stuff even by your standards.' Mr Farage then replied: 'Your scheme will provide housing and benefits to people who came here illegally. I prefer to put the British people first.'
The GMCA defended the programme, stating that it provides preventative advice and support to migrants at risk of homelessness, which helps avoid more expensive temporary accommodation. They argued that such schemes save public money and are necessary because migrants are disproportionately represented in homeless services due to difficulties understanding UK systems.
The authority noted that a £40 million annual programme is commissioned to prevent homelessness in Greater Manchester, supporting various groups including women, veterans, young people, ex-offenders, LGBTQ+ individuals, refugees, and asylum seekers. The Telegraph also reported that allies of Mr Burnham have suggested he would shift responsibility for asylum accommodation to local councils if he became Prime Minister, and that he has abandoned a previous stance supporting immediate access to benefits for migrants.
