Labour councillors have reportedly suggested asylum seekers should be housed in town centres to help them integrate with locals. In leaked emails, two councillors at Havant Borough Council in Hampshire discuss options to house migrants.
Gillian Harris reportedly wrote in one email, said to be dated July 31: “Asylum seekers need to be placed near to shops and communities. It can counter racist rhetoric being peddled”.
Fellow councillor, Jason Horton, reportedly wrote on August 11: “We should consider locations of schools, shops, surgeries and transport where asylum seekers can meet locals and integrate”.
The emails, which have not been seen by the Express, were reported in The Sun newspaper on Sunday (August 17). Ms Harris and Mr Horton have been approached for comment.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman told the publication that to want to house asylum seekers in the area “against the wishes” of locals was “one of the most out of touch things” she had ever heard.
The Sun described Ms Braverman as a “leading” voice against migrants in the town of Waterlooville, where she is the MP.
She said: “These councillors should put their money where their mouth is (sic) and take in these asylum seekers. These people have broken into our country. They need to be securely detained before being deported.”
Scores of anti-migrant protesters gathered in the streets of Waterlooville in July to demonstrate against a newly built block of flats potentially being used to house asylum seekers.
The action was one of scores of anti-migrant protests and anti-racism counter-protests to have taken place across the UK this summer. Tensions have soared in some communities, driven in part by the number of those arriving and use of hotels to accommodate people.
More than 50,000 migrants have been recorded crossing the English Channel since Sir Keir Starmer entered No.10 on July 5 last year.
He pledged to “smash” the people smuggling gangs which facilitate crossings. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the use of hotels to house asylum seekers will end by 2029.
Authorities began detaining migrants under the UK’s “one in, one out” deal with France this month.
The Government has said enhanced enforcement operations in northern France and tougher legislation in its Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill strengthens Britain’s ability to identify, disrupt and dismantle the gangs.