The Conservative government has been criticized for equating living on the streets with a “lifestyle”.

The British government defended its plan to crack down on homeless people sleeping in tents on the street on Sunday, November 5, after controversial comments from Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who described the incident as “lifestyle”. According to Financial TimesThe plan provides for fines for organizations that help the homeless if they provide tents.

More than a year of rising prices in the UK has led to a rise in poverty and homelessness, especially as the country faces a severe housing crisis. “We cannot allow our streets to be occupied by tents, many from abroad, who have chosen to sleep on the streets as a way of life.” She wrote in X on Saturday.

“It is the government’s responsibility to say that tent cities should not be allowed to be built when the people concerned are in a safe place.” Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden told the BBC. As the Home Secretary had indicated earlier in the day, he confirmed that the Conservative government intended to legislate on the matter. Sadiq Khan, the Labor mayor of London, blamed the government “Lack of Compassion” with his plan.