Andy Burnham has suggested that wealthier regions across the UK should take on a larger responsibility for housing asylum seekers. Speaking on GB News, he argued that it is unfair for lower-income communities to bear the brunt of housing distributions. His comments were prompted by protests in Piddington, Oxfordshire, where residents have opposed plans to convert a former military base into accommodation for refugees.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the suggestion, stating that illegal immigrants should not be housed anywhere in the country regardless of wealth. Meanwhile, the Labour government maintains its goal of phasing out the use of hotels for asylum seekers by 2029. Immigration minister Anna Turley noted that the government has already successfully closed hundreds of hotels, opting for more secure sites including repurposed industrial locations and military bases to manage the system more sustainably.
Turley emphasized the importance of a fairer distribution system, noting that areas like Blackpool have historically been overloaded, which often triggers social tension. The government intends to ensure no single community is disproportionately impacted by the housing of asylum seekers. Official data shows high concentrations of supported individuals in regions like the north-west of England and cities such as Glasgow and Birmingham.
Burnham, who previously raised concerns about the disproportionate number of asylum seekers housed in Greater Manchester during his time as mayor, reiterated that every part of the country should contribute. The ongoing debate highlights the government’s struggle to balance logistical needs with the concerns of local populations as they move away from the controversial use of hotels.
