The Conservative Party has launched a scathing attack on Sir Keir Starmer, accusing the prime minister of worsening public anger over housing shortages. Tories accuse PM of housing disconnect after Starmer claimed “lots of housing” exists for both homeless Britons and asylum seekers.
New shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly slammed Starmer’s remarks as dangerously out of touch. Cleverly argued the PM’s comments ignored the struggles of young families unable to buy homes.
“The prime minister’s claim that spare housing is readily available shows a total housing disconnectfrom reality,” Cleverly stated. He warned such rhetoric was inflaming tensions in communities facing asylum hotel placements.
A Labour spokesperson countered that the current crisis stems from Conservative policies. They highlighted the Tories’ abolition of mandatory housing targets as particularly damaging. “We’re cleaning up their mess while they offer no solutions,” the spokesperson said.
The war of words comes as Cleverly began his new role with a visit to a London housing development alongside Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. His appointment follows Tuesday’s shadow cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening opposition attacks.
The debate intensifies amid ongoing protests outside asylum hotels. In Essex, demonstrations erupted after an asylum seeker faced sexual assault charges. While condemning violence, Cleverly acknowledged public frustration was understandable.
He cautioned against extremists exploiting tensions but stressed: “People have legitimate concerns when they see housing priorities skewed.” The government plans to purchase tower blocks and student housing to reduce hotel use.
Badenoch’s review of UK ECHR membership remains contentious. Cleverly declined to endorse withdrawal but pledged to support any official party position. “It’s not necessarily a silver bullet,” he said.
The Tory leader confirmed shadow ministers must align with her stance. “I wouldn’t appoint dissenters,” Badenoch told reporters, signaling growing momentum for potential ECHR exit plans.
With both parties trading blame over the crisis, housing looks set to dominate political debate. As Tories accuse PM of housing disconnect, Starmer faces pressure to clarify his accommodation plans. The coming months will test whether Labour’s 1.5 million homes pledge can ease the mounting frustration.
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