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The Conservatives have published a misleading and inflammatory list claiming that channel migrants receive a long series of luxurious perks when they arrive in the UK.

Examination reveals that most of these claims are false or exaggerated, and the few that are true involve essential support like housing, food, and basic healthcare.

The attack post mixes fact with fiction in a way designed to make the lies seem plausible.

An image of the post should appear somewhere alongside this article. Let’s break it down:

False claims (not provided nationally)

• Hotel accommodation, including three-star hotels with bars, gardens, terraces, free Wi-Fi – Only basic temporary hotels are used in some cases – never luxury stays, often former hotels that had been disused.

• Free cooking lessons – Some local programmes may offer them, but they are not nationally provided.

• University bursaries, scholarships, and fee waivers – Limited to a few institutions; not guaranteed nationwide.

• Discounted Spanish or French lessons – Local programmes may exist; this is not a national benefit.

• Free bus travel from councils – Only offered in certain local initiatives.

• Free driving lessons – There is no national scheme for driving lessons.

• Free sports and leisure tickets/trips – this may happen with occasional local events, but it is not a universal entitlement.

• Free PlayStation consoles and yoga sessions – Entirely false; there is no national provision.

• Free swimming, group exercise classes, and gym sessions – Only available in some local schemes.

• Discounts on theatre shows – False; there is no national programme.

• Free mobile phone on arrival – False; phones may be provided by charities in rare cases, not by the government.

True claims (nationally provided)

• Housing and food provided directly by the state – Standard policy for those unable to support themselves.

• Weekly allowance of £49.18 per person – Cash allowance for personal items, not including food or accommodation.

• Access to food banks – Asylum seekers can access the same services as anyone in need.

• HC2 certificates giving free healthcare services – Covers dental care, prescriptions, eye tests, glasses, wigs, and travel to medical treatment.

• Home Office clothing packs on arrival – Basic essentials are provided on entry.

• Taxpayer-funded legal aid for asylum cases – Ensures fair access to legal representation.

Why the Tory post is misleading

Many of the false claims appear plausible because they resemble real, local programmes or minor integration initiatives, but none are guaranteed nationally.

This is a classic tactic in political attacks: mix a few truths with massive lies to make the overall story more believable.

• Temporary hotel stays happen but are basic, not luxury.

• Some councils offer recreational programs or transport support, but these are minor, localised schemes rather than universal benefits.

• The only national support is essential: accommodation, food, healthcare, and a modest weekly allowance.

The effect is that readers may think migrants are receiving extravagant perks, when in reality, the government provides minimal, necessary support for survival and basic integration – help to cope with life in the UK while their claims are processed.

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