Andy Burnham’s suggestion affluent areas of Britain should be forced to house more asylum seekers is one of the most reckless interventions made during the Channel crisis. There is no question, thus far, the burden has fallen disproportionately on the shoulders of working-class areas, including Mr Burnham's home of Greater Manchester. Yesterday, Burnham told GB News we all need to “play our part” to house illegal migrants, as if it were a national endeavour we should all dutifully row in behind. This is why the small boats have evolved into mega-dinghies and why we have seen a recent surge in crossings. You do not solve this by increasing the incentives: you solve it through the detention and deportation of all illegal migrants.