Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has called on Havant Borough Council to “put British people first”.
Asylum seekers leaving northern France for the UK (Image: Getty)
A council in Hampshire has been blasted after they revealed they were “utterly committed” to asylum seeker accommodation, despite protests from local residents.
The Home Office is planning to house 35 people in flats above shops in Waterlooville, in the Borough of Havant in Hampshire. That is despite protests from local people last week against the plans to provide accommodation for couples and parents seeking asylum. Havant Borough Council (HBC) has since submitted an official response to the Home Office, noting that the accommodation in Waterlooville town centre is not suitable. According to the response, the council said the site is currently not compliant with fire regulations and therefore cannot be used.
An anti-asylum protest in Waterlooville in July (Image: x.com)
Nevertheless, the Leader of Havant Borough Council, Phil Munday said: “As a council we are utterly committed to doing our part to support the successful integration of asylum seekers into the borough.
“We recognise the need to support the government programme and will play our part wherever possible.”
The Labour councillor for Havant St. Faith’s added: “Although we expressed concerns with the proposed Waterlooville site last week, the support provided alongside is key to any successful integration in the future.
“As such, I will ask the Home Office to ensure that any further proposals outline what they intend to provide from the outset.”
Suella Braverman has hit out at the local council in Hampshire (Image: Getty)
Local MP and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the plans showed the council was “out of touch”.
She said: “By being so out of touch through their arrogance, HBC have let down the people of Waterlooville.
“It is clear that they are on the side of the asylum seekers and the Home Office.
“Why can’t we put local British people first?”
