WOKE Labour councils have been accused of giving asylum seekers free yoga classes while residents’ bills go up.
Islington in North London offered Arabic-language stretch sessions during Refugee Week in June — plus walking tours on the history of migration.
Council chiefs also spent £500,000 on storytelling, woodwork and barista classes for migrants.
They were funded by leftover cash from schemes such as Homes for Ukraine and the Afghan resettlement fund.
Meanwhile, Newham in East London has funded asylum seekers’ trips to the beach, while Lewisham in South London has bankrolled free Pilates and therapeutic art sessions.
Sir Keir Starmer’s own town hall in Camden, North London, has offered migrants free haircuts, and Southwark Council has hosted a football match between asylum hotels.
Islington and Lewisham have put up council tax by 4.99 per cent for 2025-26, and Newham’s was raised by 8.99 per cent.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the spending a a “betrayal of trust”.
He added: “Families who follow the rules face spiralling bills, while those with no right to be here get free community perks.”
The councils defended their spending, saying it helped new arrivals feel included.
