Andy Burnham may never see illegal immigration in the UK as an issue, it has been claimed on GB News. The prime minister has yet to directly address what many Britons consider a major problem, despite giving a speech on social care reforms on Wednesday.
Criticism from former adviser
Former Downing Street Adviser Oscar Reddrop told GB News that Burnham has only focused on 'comfortable' issues and not sought to tackle the concerns of Britons like illegal migration. "One of the central issues for millions of people across this country is illegal immigration and we've had silence on the issue," Reddrop said.
GB News presenter Stephen Dixon acknowledged that Burnham might not yet have a plan to tackle illegal immigration, but questioned whether he should still be addressing the issue. Dixon added: "The problem with the migration issue is that it affects the economy, housing, education and the NHS."
Surge in small boat crossings
It comes after GB News reported a surge in small boat crossings as 10 boats carrying illegal migrants departed from French beaches in the early hours of yesterday morning. US President Donald Trump has now stepped in, warning Burnham that he will have to confront Britain's migration crisis as it's 'killing' the country.
Concerns over Burnham's priorities
Reddrop expressed concern over the possibility the government could 'fall back' on the issue because there is a chance Burnham doesn't see it as a high priority. He went on: "We think Andy Burnham is this really lovely guy, that may be true, but he has viciously and forensically and quite impressively for months been planning and orchestrating the decapitation of Keir Starmer as prime minister."
Reddrop argued that the soft left that helped get him there does not think illegal immigration is an issue. "If they're the people that are silently pulling the strings behind Andy because they've put him in this position without opposition or scrutiny, I'd be concerned that this will never be an issue for Andy Burnham," he said.
Public fury
Burnham's lack of response has sparked fury, with one commenting: "The public want answers on illegal migration, not another bus fare announcement." Another claimed: "It’s been a national security issue for a few years. If the government wanted to stop it. They would." A third asked: "Why are @UKLabour @andyburnham not treating this as a national security crisis? Why won't they protect British people?"
