Andy Burnham has defended plans to spread asylum seekers more evenly across Britain, arguing that the burden of accommodating people seeking protection cannot continue to fall disproportionately on poorer communities. The Prime Minister said 'all parts of the country need to work, to play their part', as the Government faces mounting pressure over asylum accommodation and the continuing Channel crossings.
The intervention comes after analysis highlighted a striking imbalance in where asylum seekers are being housed. As reported by the Daily Mail, 17 local authorities currently have no asylum seekers in accommodation, while some of the areas carrying the heaviest burden include deprived towns in northern England.
