BBC Breakfast viewers hit out at Labour’s stance on illegal migration as justice minister Jake Richards appeared on the programme to defend the party’s latest move, just days after Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, June 22, plunging the party into turmoil.
The Home Office has confirmed it is seeking planning permission to use three additional military sites in Bicester, Barnham and Linton-on-Ouse to house thousands of asylum seekers as part of efforts to move people out of hotels. Officials also want to extend the use of existing military sites in Crowborough until 2030 and Wethersfield beyond 2027.
Speaking from Westminster, Richards defended the plans, saying: “Some of these sites are already housing migrants, and we’ve announced an extension and expansion of that process. Other sites announced today are still being explored and reviewed. There is a planning process, and it’s right that communities are consulted, but we are absolutely determined to shut hotels across the country,” he said.
“They’ve caused serious damage to community cohesion and placed a huge burden on taxpayers because of the enormous costs involved.
“We will do whatever it takes to close those hotels, and I want your viewers to understand that. Today, we’re announcing concrete steps to go even further, having already closed more than half of them,” he added.
Viewers reacted angrily to his comments, taking to X to voice their frustration. “Detain and deport immediately for OUR safety — that’s the only acceptable option now. Sick of this s**t,” one wrote.
Another said: “What don’t they understand? We don’t want illegal immigrants or asylum seekers in prisons, hotels or army camps. They have no right to be here. Any immigrant who commits a crime should be removed from the country along with their family.”
A third added: “Don’t let them into the country — British people do not want these criminals anywhere near the UK. Labour has betrayed the public.”
A fourth posted: “It’s outrageous and needs to stop. People need to wake up and stand against this rotten government. Unvetted men arriving in huge numbers while rapists and murderers are being released early — unbelievable.”
A fifth commented: “Thousands more migrants are being moved into army barracks across the country. When will this madness end? Surely this can’t continue.”
A sixth questioned: “Will illegal migrants be kept inside secure compounds with round-the-clock security? If not, why not? Time and again the courts show we have no clear idea of the criminal backgrounds of many arriving here. We cannot allow undocumented and unchecked migrants to roam freely.”
