The Prime Minister has insisted that wealthy areas of Britain must “play their part” in housing asylum seekers, warning that the UK “cannot have a situation where it’s only the poorest communities in the country” housing migrants.
PM's remarks on dispersal
Speaking to GB News, Andy Burnham said: “I will listen to what people are saying and respond to the concerns that they are putting forward.” He added: “I don’t know the issue yet in detail, but in some ways, as I understand it, it is about creating secure space.”
The Prime Minister continued: “It’s obviously going to be challenging, but I am prepared always to listen to people, to work with people, and to pick up legitimate concerns, and I will address those concerns.” He stressed: “I do have to say, we cannot have a situation where it’s only the poorest communities in the country that receive all of the dispersal of refugees and asylum seekers. I do believe all parts of the country need to work, to play their part.”
Revolt in Piddington
The comments come as a leafy village stages a revolt over plans to house 1,250 asylum seekers at a former military site in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Residents of Piddington have voted to hold a referendum on leaving the UK.
Mr Burnham said: “We understand people’s concerns, and I will look into the issues raised by the good people of Piddington.”
Tory response and Channel crossings
But the Tories warned that communities “shouldn’t be housing illegal immigrants anywhere” regardless of how wealthy they are. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp wrote on X: “Andy Burnham just doesn’t get it. We shouldn’t be housing illegal immigrants anywhere – wealthy or not. Illegal immigrants should all be deported within a week of arrival – to their country of origin or a safe third country like Rwanda.” He added: “To do this, we would need to leave the (European Convention on Human Rights) – which we should do.”
It comes amid a surge in migrants crossing the Channel in small boats amid recent favourable weather conditions. The Government is working to close asylum hotels and instead use more houses in multiple occupancies (HMOs) and is looking at sites including former military barracks.
