‘David vs Goliath!’ Reform council leader demands end to asylum seeker placement in area
Reform council leader Oliver Freeston has sent a letter to the Government demanding an end to the dispersal of asylum seekers in the area.
Speaking to GB News, the head of North East Lincolnshire Council pledged he would “stand up and fight for the rights and the interests of the British people”.
“This is very much David v Goliath,” Mr Freeston began.
“We're going to fight back against the government because ultimately we don't want to see our area.
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“Like many areas across the country, we are being used for cheap housing.”
The Reform councillor said he received regular concerns from locals who feared the number of migrants being relocated to their community.
“A lady called me in tears, saying she's worried about the welfare of her two young daughters. She said she's now had to put bolts on, including the door locks," he said.
“These are real lives being affected, and people just look at the numbers and don't think about the effect it's having on people.
“The problem is the government just don't get it… They're not the ones that are living next door to these HMOs.
“I'm not a wealthy person. I don't live in a massive mansion in the countryside. I live amongst my neighbours, and we suffer the same problems.
“I'm in touch with people. And that's why I know that this motion is particularly important.
“And that's why the letter was sent on the first day of taking office."
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The Reform councillor explained his stance was “absolutely” a case of NIMBYism, explaining: “I don't want them anywhere near us."
However, Mr Freeston said, as he did not have full control of the council despite being the leader, he would require the support of members from other parties.
“So I will plead with facts, evidence and data that the full council should support the motion and that our area should no longer be used under the dispersal scheme.
“Those who vote against this motion will be voting for more asylum seekers coming to this area and the havoc that that causes."
Outlining the foundation of his motion, Mr Freeston declared: “I'm a council leader who's prepared to stand up and fight for the rights and the interests of the British people.
“At the end of the day, the local election results spoke for themselves; it's quite clear what the people want.
"They want what Reform is saying.
“So if the councillors have a bit of sense, they would vote in favour of this motion."
GB News has approached the Home Office for comment.
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