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Former MP Marco Longhi faced attacks from political opponents during a debate on asylum at a meeting of Dudley Council.

The discussion was prompted by the submission to the authority of a petition organised by Mr Longhi calling for a tougher line on asylum seekers and illegal immigrants living in the borough.

The petition attracted more than 3,000 signatures and the public gallery was packed for the meeting at the Council House on October 20.

Mr Longhi, who now represents Reform UK but was previously a Conservative MP in Dudley, told the council that people believe their voices are being ignored.

He said: "These residents are not extremists, they are ordinary, decent people who want to feel safe in their own communities."

He went on to warn about what he described as

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