A heated debate between Labor and Reform MPs has highlighted a key point of conflict between competing narratives on immigration.

Clive Lewis, Labor MP for Norwich South, sparked the exchange by posting a video of himself on X suggesting he would “join many others who say refugees and migrants are welcome in Norwich and oppose a far-right anti-migrant demonstration.

He said: “(The Brook Hotel in Norwich) is where they keep migrants and asylum seekers who have come to this country, and we know the far right could also turn up to protest, hopefully peacefully, in front of the hotel.

“It’s their right, but it’s also our right as citizens of Norwich and this country, to stand there and demonstrate in support of people who come to this country looking for help. Norwich has a long history of welcoming foreigners, and that’s not going to change any time soon.”

And British Reform MP Rupert Lowe hit back at Mr Lewis, replying to his message: “I have asked the Home Office to establish a scheme whereby MPs who support illegal migrants can house one in their own house.

“You say migrants are welcome, we wouldn’t want anyone to think you’re a hypocrite. I assume you’ll participate?”

The Norfolk MP, who also opposed anti-immigration protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers in his constituency over the summer, did not go down without a fight.

He replied: “Afternoon Rupes, see, you are doing what you do best: preying on the most vulnerable in society. You are not fighting for principles, you are fighting for money and political power.

“I’ve asked the Treasury to establish a wealth tax on multi-millionaires like you. Dig old fruit!”

But the Great Yarmouth MP had the last word, asking his political opponent: “So that’s a no to housing an illegal migrant in your country, I take it?”

Mr Lowe called on the Home Office to introduce such a housing scheme last week, to denounce the “hypocrisy” of “many MPs (who) tell us that illegal migrants are welcome in their communities.

Meanwhile, Home Office data released on Monday revealed that more than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the UK via the English Channel since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister. It also showed that the cost of the UK’s asylum system rose to £5 billion, the highest level of spending on record.

Sir Keir put international cooperation with other European countries at the heart of his bid to reduce the number of small boat arrivals and he criticized the last Conservative government for leaving a “total mess” at the Department of Defense. Interior.