Commentary from The Mail on Sunday suggests a perceived hypocrisy among the "new Left-wing elite" regarding immigration, asserting that while these individuals may advocate for generosity towards migrants, they often prefer such populations not reside in their own affluent neighborhoods. The publication posits that this segment of the population, often university-educated and liberal-minded, champions the admission of economic migrants, frequently labeling them as "asylum-seekers" even when, according to the commentary, they are not fleeing oppressive regimes.
The piece argues that these more privileged individuals "are being generous with other people's lives, schools and hospitals, transport, water, infrastructure and open space." It suggests that statements made by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging more affluent areas to "play their part" in accepting migrants, may have alienated some of his supporters.
This perspective comes as the country grapples with an increasing number of migrants arriving in larger vessels. The government is reportedly planning to house concentrations of migrants in former military bases, a prospect that causes concern for residents in nearby small villages, who question their capacity to manage such changes.
A poll conducted by Find Out Now for The Mail on Sunday, surveying 10,549 individuals, indicated that a majority believe asylum seekers should be housed evenly across all areas, which the commentary interprets as a desire to keep migrants at a distance. The poll reportedly found that 82 percent of respondents felt the government should increase efforts to stop illegal entry altogether, while 57 percent stated their own locality should not accept any more migrants.
The commentary further suggests that millions of people would welcome the revival of schemes like the Rwanda plan, which aimed to send migrants to a third country for processing, a policy abruptly canceled by Sir Keir Starmer. The piece concludes by questioning the effectiveness of the Labour party under potential leadership by Andy Burnham, referencing a recent statement by Health Secretary Yvette Cooper that the party did not "do government very well" under Sir Keir Starmer's premiership.