Reform UK and the Conservatives could launch legal challenges to prevent Prime Minister Andy Burnham from spreading asylum accommodation more evenly across the country.
The warning comes after Burnham said wealthier areas must take their fair share of people despite the increased costs involved.
Deputy chairman of the Conservative Party Matt Vickers said: ‘Rather than simply moving people around in an attempt to punish Middle England, Burnham should focus on stopping the crossings.'
A spokesperson for Reform added: ‘Reform-run councils will resist Labour forcing illegal migrants on their communities, including via judicial reviews, HMO [houses in multiple occupation] directions and planning laws.'
However, associate director at the Institute for Public Policy Research think-tank, Marley Morris, said it was a ‘sensible idea'.
Morris pointed out the Conservatives had rolled out ‘full dispersal' under Robert Jenrick – now a Reform MP – but by late 2023 the Home Office's policy of placing asylum seekers across all UK regions had delivered just 60% of Whitehall's target.
