John McDonnell has taken Reform UK’s Richard Tice to task after the Reform deputy leader repeated false claims that most refugees are simply “economic migrants.”
Appearing on ITV’s Peston, the former Labour shadow chancellor corrected Tice live on air, highlighting the legal status of refugees — and their value to the UK economy.
📑 McDonnell defends Labour’s asylum plan
McDonnell welcomed Labour’s new pledge to end the use of asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament, announced during Rachel Reeves’ Spending Review.
He argued that speeding up asylum decisions allows refugees to start working and contributing to local communities — especially given the “unbelievable” range of skills many bring.
“There’s a good government argument that if you can get the processing done properly and get people into work, you can reduce the need for that sort of accommodation.”
❌ Tice makes false claim about refugee status
When host Robert Peston suggested Labour might be “shooting Reform’s fox” by tackling asylum system issues, Tice responded with alarmist rhetoric.
“80-90% of all asylum applications are going to be granted,” Tice claimed, calling it “a form of amnesty.”
But McDonnell immediately shut that down:
“That’s because they’re refugees — that’s what the status means.”
Tice, undeterred, claimed they’d come “illegally” and were breaking the law.
McDonnell calmly corrected him again:
“It means they’re accepted under international law as refugees.”
🏠 The housing distraction
Tice tried again, saying asylum seekers get British housing and that this created a “magnet” effect.
He also pointed out that many arrivals were from Albania, India, Turkey and Bangladesh — not active war zones.
But McDonnell had the final word:
“Come and meet some of them — they’re from Syria, war zones all over.”
“When they’re accepted, they’ll go in and work and make a huge contribution to the British economy.”
And in a moving close, McDonnell reminded viewers:
“You’re talking to the grandchild of an Irish migrant. We built the country. We built the roads. We started the NHS.”
You can watch it below:
You may also like: Watch: New Reform chair says ghost of Derek Acorah strangled him – Madeley’s reply is killer
