[The Penguin]

Back when she was in Steps, she and other band members were asked about political issues. When asked about refugees, she said "Why are we paying for all these people to come into the country anyway?"

Well Claire, I think that all countries are required to take in a certain number of the worlds persecuted people, people fleeing dictators and genocide. This is nothing to do with economic migration.

In spite of what the Daily Mail says, Britain does not take in any more refugees than other countries and it's criteria is quite strict. Most african refugees for example end up in other african countries. Only a minority end up in europe and they are divided between different european countries.

I think that comment shows ignorance and insensitivity on her part.

She obviously doesn't extend her emotional tendencies to the victims of genocide and persecution in the more hostile unstable parts of the world.