Nadim Muslim: We are challenging the migrant hotels in Bolton

 Cllr Nadim Muslim is the Leader of the Conservative Group on Bolton Council

For too long, politicians have shirked the truth. Why? Fear of being called racist. Fear of hard choices. Most of all, fear of losing power. Those days are gone. The people see through the fog. They demand honesty, however bitter the truth may be.

When politicians evade reality, the public turn to extremes. If the old parties cannot face facts, they will be cast aside for those who merely shout about what sounds good, without any remedy.

Under Labour, illegal migration has spiralled. Since Keir Starmer took office, 50,000 have crossed in small boats. This is not some distant problem. It strikes here in Bolton. We’re seeing the strain on schools, housing, and health services.

And the economy is already teetering on the precipice. Rachel Reeves’ tax rises on business have starved the nation of growth. More than 4,500 households in Bolton have signed onto Universal Credit since the election. This perilous state of affairs is only exacerbated by the asylum crisis.

Bolton already bears one of the highest asylum burdens in Greater Manchester. Now, more may come. When we heard reports that the government contractor, Serco, was allegedly buying a block of flats and evicting tenants, we exposed it. Not to ‘fan the flames’ of discord but to seek the truth. Our enquiries forced that truth. Serco admitted they will not use the property. A victory.

But it doesn’t end here. Serco also confessed plans can change at the Home Office’s command. And who runs the Home Office? Labour. Locally and nationally, we must hold them to account.

The Conservatives proved in Bolton what can be done. We blocked the migrant hotel at Georgian House – standing up to our own government. Yet Sir Keir himself proclaims there is “lots of housing” to be used. I fear Labour here will bow to Labour in Westminster.

When borders are porous and rules ignored, safety falters. Unchecked numbers strain police, services, and trust. That hits us right here in Bolton. Politicians who dodge this truth endanger us all. The first duty of government is clear: protect its people or lose their faith.

The truth is this: Confront the reality, no matter how difficult that may be, or face oblivion. Bolton has always been welcoming. But the burden must be shared. Other towns must now play their part.