‘Two-tier justice’: Katie Lam slams Labour over Lucy Connolly sentencing and asylum hotel protests

Katie Lam has delivered a blistering critique of Labour’s handling of asylum seeker issues and the sentencing of Lucy Connolly, calling the system “two-tier” and condemning what she sees as heavy-handed government action.

Speaking on the wave of protests outside asylum hotels this weekend, Lam emphasised that peaceful local residents have every right to express genuine concerns about housing asylum seekers in their communities. “We’re seeing parents, mums worried about their children walking home at the end of the day,” she said, stressing the importance of hearing those voices in a democracy.

Lam responded to fears over policing with a reminder that many protests have passed without violence, but acknowledged the complexities of policing major events like the bank holiday, football matches, and Notting Hill Carnival alongside 26 planned protests.

When pressed on the controversial closure of the Bell Hotel, Lam admitted there is “no good answer” for where to house asylum seekers. She insisted the underlying problem remains completely unresolved until the UK detains and removes those who enter illegally. She highlighted the “eye-watering cost for the taxpayer” and the impact of placing asylum seekers in HMOs or social housing, which pushes British families out of the market and drives up prices.

Lam criticised the current Labour government for scrapping the Rwanda scheme, once seen as the only effective deterrent to illegal Channel crossings. “The scheme never got off the ground because of ideological reasons,” she said, adding it may be a decision they “regret.” She pointed to similar programmes in other countries as evidence the scheme could have worked.

On Lucy Connolly’s case, Lam expressed sorrow that Connolly felt forced to plead guilty for posting threatening material on social media, despite other cases going to jury trial. The former childminder was jailed for 31 months but released early after serving 40% of her sentence.

“It’s really sad and a real shame,” Lam told GB News. “Juries have recognised that saying something horrible in the heat of the moment is not the same as proper incitement to violence.” She called the sentencing an example of “two-tier justice,” accusing the Prime Minister of labelling all protesters “far-right” and demanding harsh sentences in some cases but not others.

Connolly’s inflammatory message, posted on the same day as the Southport murders, was viewed 310,000 times before being deleted. Following her release, she spent time with her family and is expected to give media interviews.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over the UK’s asylum and immigration policies, social housing shortages, and the government’s approach to public order and justice.

Katie Lam’s fiery comments add to the wider debate about fairness, free speech, and community safety in an increasingly divided political climate.