Poorest areas should not house all asylum seekers, says Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham said asylum seekers should not be housed exclusively in the UK’s poorest communities. Speaking after protests over plans to provide accommodation near a former military base in Piddington, Oxfordshire, he argued that “all parts of the country need to work” so dispersal is fairer and more balanced. Burnham added he would engage with residents’ concerns. His comments were challenged by shadow home secretary Chris Philp, who said illegal immigrants should not be housed anywhere.