Free Asylum Hotels And Legal Challenges Pile Up As Channel Crossings Hit Record Levels

Britain has recorded what is being called a shameful day, illustrating the scale of the problems facing the country. With speculation mounting that Keir Starmer could face a Labour leadership challenge, the Prime Minister insisted today that he intends to lead his party into the next general election and said he wants Andy Burnham to have "a big role in government."But while Westminster focuses on leadership speculation, the numbers tell their own story. The backlog of asylum seekers appealing after having their claims rejected has hit a record high, up 71.5 percent in the year to December to 87,000, compared to 51,000 the year before. Around seven out of ten people whose claims are rejected by the Home Office go on to launch legal challenges and in the meantime, many receive taxpayer-funded support, including free board in asylum hotels.Separately, this week alone saw over 700 people cross the Channel illegally on 11 boats in a single day illustrating that, despite repeated government pledges, the crossings have not been stopped.What do you think? Let us know in the comments below. If you'd like to support the channel, hit the join button see the link below this video.