Sunderland is full. No more asylum dispersal. Enough is enough. Today, I have formally written to Labour’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, demanding an immediate halt to further asylum dispersal into Sunderland. I’m absolutely fed up of our city and our region being treated as Whitehall’s dumping ground for its utterly broken asylum and immigration system. Sunderland has just 0.4% of the UK’s population, yet accommodates approximately 0.9% of those receiving asylum support nationally. That’s more than double our fair share. Meanwhile, hardworking local families are struggling to find homes, vulnerable residents are facing homelessness, and veterans who served this country are still waiting for the support they deserve. And Labour’s answer? Keep piling more pressure onto Sunderland. Not on my watch. I’ve demanded an immediate freeze on further placements, a halt to the procurement of additional asylum accommodation, and a full investigation into why our city has been expected to shoulder such a disproportionate burden. My administration is reviewing every asylum dispersal and resettlement arrangement involving this Council. We will pursue every lawful power available to protect our communities. I will not stand idly by while faceless bureaucrats in Whitehall make the decisions and the people of Sunderland are left to deal with the consequences. I’ve given the Home Secretary 14 days to respond. I don’t want excuses, empty promises or another pathetic Whitehall brush-off. I want action. Sunderland is not an overflow facility for Labour’s failed asylum policies. Our housing stock is not limitless. And our residents will not be treated as an afterthought by a Government that refuses to get a grip. I’ve had enough. Sunderland has had enough. No more dispersal. Sunderland first. 🇬🇧