Public backing for ‘Brits-first’ social housing policy

A clear majority of voters back a Government minister’s controversial call for a “Britons first” policy for council houses, according to a poll released today.

Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Hodge sparked a storm when she said that people whose families have been in Britain for generations should get priority for social housing over new arrivals, even if the migrants are in greater need.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson last night accused her of using “the language of the BNP (British National Party)”, while his rival in the Labour deputy leadership race, Jon Cruddas, accused Ms Hodge of diverting attention away from the real issue of a shortage of council homes.

But a poll produced today for BBC2’s The Daily Politics found that 69% of those questioned agreed that “British citizens should always get priority for social housing ahead of immigrant families”, against 27% who disagreed.

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Source:
24dash.com