In a dramatic House of Commons confrontation, Labour MP Jess Phillips has publicly challenged her own party leader Keir Starmer over the government's controversial decision to house asylum seekers in a Lambeth hotel without local consultation.
The Birmingham Yardley representative revealed she learned about the accommodation plans through social media rather than official channels, highlighting what she described as a "complete breakdown" in communication between government departments and local communities.
Social Media Revelation Sparks Outrage
Phillips disclosed that she first became aware of the situation when constituents began tagging her in social media posts about the hotel being used to accommodate asylum seekers. "I found out because people were tagging me on Twitter," she stated, emphasising the lack of formal notification from the Home Office or local authorities.
The MP expressed particular concern about the impact on vulnerable individuals being housed in the temporary accommodation, noting that many had experienced significant trauma before arriving in the UK.
Direct Challenge to Labour Leadership
During the tense exchange, Phillips directly questioned Starmer about whether he had been informed about the Lambeth hotel plans beforehand. Her public challenge to the Labour leader underscores growing tensions within the party regarding immigration policy and community consultation.
"I asked Keir Starmer if he knew, and he said no," Phillips revealed, suggesting that the lack of transparency extends across political lines and affects both government and opposition leadership.
Broader Implications for Asylum Policy
The incident raises serious questions about the Home Office's approach to housing asylum seekers across the UK. Phillips highlighted the pattern of last-minute decisions being made without proper consideration for local resources or community impact.
Local residents and officials in Lambeth have expressed similar concerns about the lack of consultation and the potential strain on local services, from healthcare to education facilities.
The controversy comes amid ongoing debates about the UK's asylum system and the government's approach to managing accommodation for those awaiting decisions on their immigration status.
