Lee Anderson, the Reform UK MP and former Conservative Party member, has sparked fresh controversy by calling for the UK to “pull up the drawbridge” in response to the ongoing row over housing asylum seekers in Wales. His remarks, made during a television interview, were seen as a strong rebuke of the current asylum policy and have been widely interpreted as a call to stop placing asylum seekers in Welsh communities. The statement has drawn significant criticism from politicians and community leaders who view the language as inflammatory and divisive.
The row intensified following plans to house over 200 asylum seekers at the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, which triggered local protests and widespread concerns about the impact on community cohesion. The Welsh Government, which has long advocated for Wales to be a “Nation of Sanctuary,” has voiced its frustration with the UK Government’s approach, saying it has not adequately consulted local authorities or residents before making such decisions. The situation in Llanelli has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over immigration and devolved powers.
Anderson’s remarks have deepened the divide between those calling for stricter immigration controls and those urging compassion and support for vulnerable individuals seeking refuge. Supporters of Anderson argue that local communities are overstretched and should have more say in housing decisions that directly affect them. Critics, however, accuse him of stoking xenophobia and undermining humanitarian responsibilities. As the political debate escalates, the future of asylum accommodation policy in Wales remains a contentious and polarizing issue.
