TV presenter Rylan Clark has addressed the backlash he received after suggesting asylum seekers are handed iPads and housed in four-star hotels when they arrive in the UK.
During a discussion on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s proposed mass deportation plans on This Morning on 27 August, Clark commented on the migrants crossing the Channel.
He said it was “insane” people were risking their lives to make the crossing, but he added the message “seems, ‘welcome, come on in’, this is the narrative we’re being fed, here’s the hotel, here’s the phones here’s the iPad, here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel, here’s three meals a day, here’s a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time and welcome.”
A clip of his comments was quickly shared, with some praising him for speaking out, while others labelled what he said as misinformation.
Clark later posted on X to address the debate over his comments, saying people should “have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter (X).”
Today (29 August), Clark said it was his “last day” presenting the programme as holiday cover for its regular presenters. ITV has been approached for comment.
The issue of asylum has become increasingly politicised in recent weeks, with Reform UK announcing plans to deport 600,000 people, and recent safety concerns over hotels housing asylum seekers, which have become a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests over the summer.
Here, Yahoo News explains what support asylum seekers receive when they arrive to the UK.
What did Rylan Clark say about asylum seekers?
During the debate on Reform UK’s deportation policy, which was announced in a press conference on Tuesday, Clark began by praising legal immigration, telling the guests in the studio: “[The UK] is built on immigration.
“Legal immigration – a lot of the nurses, the doctors that have saved my mum’s life, have come over here from other countries. They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.”
The ‘Pink Ladies’ movement join protesters near The Bell Hotel in Epping to continue demonstrations over the premises being used to house asylum seekers. (Alamy)
Clark then expressed concerns about illegal routes that some take, before commenting on what the “narrative” says about what they receive in benefits when they get here.
He added: “I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives [coming across the Channel].
Clark also highlighted struggles faced by UK residents, saying: “There are people that have lived here all their lives that are struggling. They’re homeless… There are people living on the streets, veterans, all of this.”
The comments drew mixed reactions online, with some viewers criticising him for potentially reinforcing certain narratives about asylum seekers, and others praising his comments.
Later that day, Clark posted on X in response to the backlash: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes.
“You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. The list continues.
“Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.”
What support do asylum seekers actually get?
According to government guidelines, asylum seekers in the UK who demonstrate they would otherwise be destitute can apply for accommodation, financial support, or both while their claims are processed.
Housing is provided if needed – typically in flats, houses, hostels, or bed and breakfasts, but individuals cannot choose the location, and it’s unlikely to be in London or south-east England. In some cases, this includes hotels.
Financial support is usually £49.18 per person per week, loaded onto a debit card for essentials like food, clothing, and toiletries. If meals are provided with accommodation, this drops to just £9.95 per person per week.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage announced his party’s plans for deportations this week. (PA)
Additional payments are available for pregnant women or families with young children: £5.25 per week for pregnant mothers or children aged 1-3, and £9.50 for babies under 1. A one-off £300 maternity payment can be applied for if a baby is due in 11 weeks or less, or is under 6 weeks old.
Asylum seekers may also access free NHS healthcare, prescriptions, dental care, eyesight tests, and help with glasses. Children aged 5-17 must attend state schools, with possible free school meals.
Summer marked by asylum hotel protests
Multiple protests have taken place this summer outside hotels housing asylum seekers, in an issue that has become a flashpoint for anti-immigration sentiment – particularly among right-wing politicians.
Charities have accused Farage of spreading “unevidenced fears” over asylum seekers with his rhetoric.
Fact-checking organisation Full Fact has also expressed concern about the narrative around how many benefits asylum seekers receive in the UK.
The organisation states that asylum seekers do not generally receive free mobile phones as part of government support, although some were provided during the COVID pandemic for communication needs, and charities may donate devices.
It also clarifies that weekly allowances are not £70, as sometimes claimed.
The Together With Refugees charity also says that most asylum seekers flee persecution and contribute to society once settled, while the International Rescue Committee says that refugees often start businesses, pay taxes and enrich economies, with potential net benefits to the UK if integration support is improved.
Asylum seekers are not eligible for mainstream benefits and are generally barred from working until their claims are approved.
Yahoo News UK has contacted Reform UK, the Refugee Council and Refugee Action for comment.