Local branches of the coalition parties are totally at odds on the question of whether they should house asylum seekers awaiting deportation, according to a survey conducted by Government in the Netherlands for nu.nl.

The survey questioned 2,000 local party administrators, of which 55% thought they should be able to house failed asylum seekers and provide them with food, healthcare and education if appropriate.

The biggest difference thrown up by the survey is between the local administrators of the coalition parties. Of the Liberal VVD respondents, 9% thought local authorities should look after failed asylum seekers, while 89% of Labour (PvdA) administrators thought councils should have this responsibility.

Power

The difference in response was also wide on the question of whether junior justice minister Fred Teeven should do everything in his power to deport failed asylum seekers. 91% of VVD respondents thought he should; 29% of Labour agreed.

Teeven is against housing failed asylum seekers unless they cooperate with their deportation.

Many Dutch mayors are turning a blind eye to the housing of failed asylum seekers.