Angela Rayner faced a wave of criticism after appearing to sidestep a question about the UK's illegal immigration crisis during a Sky News interview. The Housing Secretary was asked why the government can provide accommodation for around 90,000 migrants who arrive illegally, while 9,000 people remain homeless.
Rayner's response on housing supply
Instead of addressing the first part of the question, Rayner blamed the housing supply crisis. She said: "We're dealing with the supply challenges. We saw that we weren't building the homes we desperately need in this country and the prime minister has been really clear that we need to build more social housing. That's why we've invested £10 billion through the social and affordable homes programme."
She added: "We're reforming right to buy so that we can build the social housing we desperately need. Far too many children are in temporary accommodation. Another announcement which I made today was around the empty homes management orders so that we can bring forward and make sure those rules enable councils to house people in properties that are empty. We are really bearing down on this."
Social media reaction
Viewers took to social media to criticise the politician, with many claiming she had failed to answer the question. One wrote: "WATCH: Sky News host DESTROYS Angela Rayner with one brutal question she simply cannot answer. Why can this government instantly find homes for 90,000 illegal migrants… but not for 9,000 homeless British people sleeping on our streets? Her excuse? 'Housing supply crisis.' Funny how that crisis vanishes the second it's time to house the boats. You have to see her face."
Another fumed: "They put them in hotels whilst our veterans and young people are on the streets. They're disgusting. More and more are losing their homes, the elderly are being thrown out of their homes. I lost mine after 42yrs as a tenant hounded out of my own home!"
A third shared: "Unfortunately Angela Rayner is unable to reply to the question. Mainly because what she does (give 90,000 illegal immigrants accommodation while denying accommodation to 9,000 Brits) is indefensible and wrong. Angela Rayner is not competent as housing minister."
Further criticism
Another echoed: "What a dumb woman, blaming the housing shortage on anything other than illegal migration. This government will completely mess up the nation soon. Welcome to a lawless UK, with a useless government and useless authorities."
A fifth added: "We don't have a housing supply crisis, we have an immigration crisis. Deport them and your housing crisis goes away."
