Kathmandu— British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has advocated for a more equitable distribution of asylum seekers and immigrants across the United Kingdom, addressing growing concerns about concentrated accommodation pressures and public sentiment. Since assuming office three weeks ago, Burnham reports over 3,000 individuals have arrived via English Channel crossings, exacerbating existing strains on housing resources. The call comes amidst increasing political debate surrounding immigration policy and voter dissatisfaction with the Labour Party’s stance on the issue, as well as local opposition to specific accommodation plans like one proposed for Oxfordshire.

Rising Immigration Numbers Fuel Debate

More than 3,000 people have reportedly arrived in the UK by boat in the past three weeks, adding to existing pressures surrounding asylum accommodations. Recent crossings saw a peak of 911 arrivals over just three days, including 230 individuals arriving on a single vessel – the highest number recorded on one boat according to official figures. As of the end of March, nearly 100,000 people were receiving asylum support in Britain, with over 20,000 housed in hotels.

Government Plan Faces Local Opposition

The government is currently planning to accommodate up to 1,250 male asylum seekers at a former military site near Piddington, Oxfordshire. However, the proposal has met resistance from local residents who have voiced concerns regarding the scale of the project and its potential impact on their community. Burnham emphasized the need for broader participation in accommodating those seeking refuge, stating, “We cannot have a situation where it’s only the poorest communities in the country that receive all of the dispersal of refugees and asylum seekers.”

Shifting Public Opinion

A recent YouGov poll revealed growing public concern regarding immigration levels. The survey indicated that 69% of Britons believe immigration over the past decade has been too high, while 43% view it as having had a mostly negative impact on the country – an increase from 33% in 2016. These figures reflect a broader European trend stemming from the migration crisis beginning in 2015 when over one million people arrived on the continent, many originating from the Middle East and Africa.

Burnham has committed to eventually halting the Channel crossings but refrained from setting a specific timeline for achieving this goal, stating it would be inappropriate to do so before the next election. The issue of immigration continues to be a major political challenge for the UK.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.