Politics Weekly UK Kent, where the politics of small boats and asylum has exploded
Sep 26, 2025
Lyndon Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council and former BBC journalist, discusses the explosive local politics surrounding asylum and small-boat crossings in Kent. She reflects on the rise of Reform UK's influence and the community's mixed reactions towards asylum seekers. The conversation dives into the legal constraints on local councils, the need for effective public pressure, and the challenges faced by refugees during the asylum process. Personal stories illuminate the complexities of seeking refuge and the impact of political rhetoric on community dynamics.
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Small Boats As Political Symbol
- Small boats have become a symbolic focal point that concentrates wider grievances about government and public services in Kent.
- Kent's visibility as a landing place means national politics consistently amplifies local tensions.
Dover Residents Describe Landings
- Locals in Dover describe seeing dinghies land and rescue operations unfolding from the shore.
- Witnesses report panic, abandoned dinghies and people walking off beaches into town.
Local Power Limits On Migration
- Local politics in Kent is heavily shaped by proximity to crossings, not just abstract immigration concerns.
- County council powers are limited because central government and law set the main immigration rules.