Prime Minister Andy Burnham has faced criticism for failing to personally address the UK migrant crisis, with a GB News journalist delivering a blunt eight-word verdict.
GB News clash over migration
Appearing on Monday's instalment of GB News, Deputy Political Editor Tom Harwood noted that while the prime minister is making “a new policy announcement every single day,” he has yet to outline his plans for migration. “Andy Burnham doesn't want to touch the subject,” declared Harwood, adding, “It's almost like he has delegated all immigration and asylum policy to Shabana Mahmood.”
Harwood pointed out that immigration is widely seen as a top two issue alongside the cost of living, calling it “strange that the prime minister is only focusing on one half of that equation.”
Presenter and viewers react
Presenter Mark White agreed, saying, “You can't just pass the buck on to the Home Secretary, you need to stand accountable.”
Following the segment, social media users expressed frustration. One tweeted, “Immigration and asylum are too important to be left to political delegation. If Andy Burnham is prime minister, voters will expect him to clearly set out his own position and take responsibility for the government's approach, especially on an issue generating so much public concern.” Another remarked, “@andyburnham seems to be full of BS,” while a third wrote, “He's all smoke and mirrors. But unfortunately, he is too busy bugging himself up to realise we won't fall for it.”
Downing Street response
Burnham, who held his first cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street last Monday, has addressed the criticism via an official spokesperson. The spokesperson said his first week was about “taking immediate action to give people and families breathing space on the cost of living.”
“I think the Prime Minister's been clear in recent weeks that immigration is an issue that matters to people,” the spokesperson continued. “He's been clear in his reappointment of Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary to continue to deliver the reforms needed to restore fairness to the system and get migration under control.”
