Expansion of migrant numbers at a RAF base sparks controversy, as Starmer faces allegations of breaching yet another promise related to Labour's commitment.
In a week marked by skepticism and criticism, the Labour Party finds itself under the spotlight for its defense spending pledges and border policies.
The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, had promised to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. However, a recent article titled "Starmer's '£13 billion more for defence' promise looks shaky as numbers fail to add up" (Military) casts doubts on the feasibility of this promise, especially when inflation is taken into account.
Meanwhile, the expansion at MDP Wethersfield, a former RAF base, has stirred controversy. Originally, Starmer had pledged to end the practice of housing asylum seekers in disused military sites like MDP Wethersfield during the general election last year. However, the Home Office has confirmed an increase in the number of asylum seekers housed at the site from 800 to 1,245.
This expansion has been condemned by several high-ranking Labour figures, including Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, who has accused Starmer and Yvette Cooper of losing control of the borders. Sir James Cleverly, the former Home Secretary and shadow housing and communities secretary, is also opposed to any increase in the number of asylum seekers at MDP Wethersfield.
The government insists the expansion at MDP Wethersfield is temporary, but the language has done little to calm fears that the Labour Party has once again reneged on a public promise. Another columnist has referred to Starmer's border policies as open borders hypocrisy, while another has criticized the Labour leader for weakening Britain's ability to defend her borders.
The Home Office claims the additional 445 "contingency bedspaces" will be used temporarily until the wider accommodation estate can manage demand. They also state that the numbers will be reduced back to 800 "as soon as possible thereafter."
The increase in the number of asylum seekers at MDP Wethersfield comes amid a significant rise in Channel crossings. Nearly 4,500 migrants have crossed the Channel so far in July alone, pushing the total for 2022 to more than 24,000, a rise of around 50% compared to this time last year.
The controversy surrounding Starmer's policies is not limited to military spending and border control. A week in review article mentions Starmer's regime and its slapstick assault on national sanity, while the article "Keir Starmer's Open Borders Hypocrisy" (Columnists) continues the critical tone.
As the week comes to a close, the Labour Party finds itself under intense scrutiny, with questions being raised about the feasibility of its defense spending promises and the integrity of its border policies.
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