We cannot cope with the volume of Migrants coming in The UK, There’s no housing-Patrick Christys warned
As the conflict in Syria flares up again, concerns are growing that another wave of refugees may head toward Europe, including the UK. Former British ambassador to Syria, alongside political commentators, have warned that Europe may soon open its doors to more displaced Syrians, which could lead to increased pressure on Britain to take some in.
During a fiery discussion on GB News, host Patrick Christys warned about the strain the UK is already facing. “We simply cannot cope with the volume of people coming here now. There’s no housing, our NHS is bursting at the seams, and people are struggling to get GP appointments. How can we take more refugees?”
The debate started with whether Britain should take in more refugees from Syria, as the war continues to displace millions. Former MP Esther McVey was firm in her response: “We’ve done more than our fair share. The people here need help first. We’ve got homeless veterans, freezing pensioners, and families on waiting lists for housing. Let’s focus on them.”
McVey’s comments reflect growing public frustration over how resources are being stretched. She added, “There’s nothing compassionate about bringing in more people when the ones already here aren’t being looked after properly.”
Patrick Christys didn’t hold back when talking about the potential risks. “Let’s not forget, terror groups like ISIS have used migrant routes to sneak into Europe. We’ve seen horrific crimes committed by a small number of refugees who weren’t properly vetted. Why would we risk that again?”
He cited past incidents, including the shocking case of two Syrian brothers convicted of multiple crimes in the UK. “This isn’t about labeling everyone a criminal,” Patrick clarified, “but if we can’t vet people properly, how can we let more in?”
Journalist Jonathan List had a different view. He pointed out that most Syrian refugees never leave the region. “The majority stay in camps in places like Turkey and Jordan. Only a tiny fraction ever come to Europe,” he explained. “These people are fleeing war—what would you do if bombs were falling on your house?”
List also pushed back on the idea that Britain is taking in too many people. “This isn’t just Britain’s responsibility. Refugees are a global issue, and we need to work together with other countries to find solutions.”
A common suggestion was to focus on helping refugees closer to home rather than resettling them in the UK. Alex Armstrong, a political commentator, said, “Instead of taking them in, why not send aid to places like Turkey or Jordan? They’re closer, and the refugees are more likely to adapt to life there.”
McVey agreed, adding, “It’s about doing what’s practical. If we can send aid to help them survive where they are, that’s better than uprooting them and bringing them to a country that’s already at breaking point.”
The discussion also turned to the broader impact of immigration on local communities. “We’ve got hotels filled with people who’ve come here illegally,” said McVey. “Residents don’t know who they are, and there’s growing tension. It’s not fair on the communities, and it’s not fair on the people stuck in limbo either.”
Patrick added, “People say we should help everyone, but we can’t. We’re not the world’s charity. Britain’s taxpayers are already doing enough.”
A key argument against taking more refugees was the state of life for people in Britain. Patrick summed it up: “We’ve got homeless veterans on the streets and pensioners choosing between heating and eating. Yet, we’re spending billions on refugees. How does that make sense?”
The panel agreed that the government has a duty to prioritize its own citizens. McVey said, “It’s not about being heartless. It’s about being realistic. How can we help others when we can’t even help ourselves?”
While the discussion was heated, it highlighted the difficult choices facing Britain. On one side, there’s a moral argument to help refugees fleeing war. On the other, there’s the reality that Britain’s resources are already stretched too thin. As tensions rise in Syria, it’s clear this debate isn’t going away anytime soon.