TalkTV guest erupts at Starmer in humiliating migrant blow 'Turned down £20m'

The owner of Cornwall's famous Camelot Castle Hotel has claimed he turned down a staggering £20 million offer from the government to house illegal migrants, branding the proposal "a joke". John Mappin, who runs the luxury clifftop hotel in Tintagel, said he was approached as part of the Home Office's ongoing bid to secure accommodation for thousands of asylum seekers across the UK.

Speaking on TalkTV, Mappin said he was stunned when officials suggested using his historic property, famous for its four-poster beds and sea views, as temporary migrant housing. "I thought it was a joke," he told the show. "They wanted to put illegal migrants in four-poster beds at Camelot Castle. Can you imagine?"

The businessman went on to explain that he immediately rejected the offer, insisting the proposal would disrupt the structure of his business and also the local community. He added: "The most staggering part about it is that our existing staff, we employ 30 people locally.... they expected us to lay them off!"

The revelation has sparked fresh debate about the government's handling of asylum housing, as the Home Office continues to face backlash over the use of hotels, barges and temporary accommodation across the UK. The Camelot Castle Hotel, a grand Edwardian landmark overlooking the Cornish coast, has long been associated with luxury stays and is linked to the legend of King Arthur.

Online, clips of Mappin's appearance quickly went viral with many viewers praising him for "standing his ground" and rejecting what some described as "ridiculous" government spending.

One commented: "At last someone with integrity who is prepared to put the well-being of his community before personal gain. I salute you, sir." While another replied: "What a top man."

It comes amid reports that the Home Office has "squandered" billions of pounds of taxpayers' money on asylum accommodation, according to a report by a committee of MPs.

The Home Affairs Committee said "flawed contracts" and "incompetent delivery" left the department unable to cope with a surge in demand, and that it relied on hotels as "go-to solutions" rather than temporary stop-gaps.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "determined" to close all asylum hotels, adding: "I can't tell you how frustrated and angry I am that we've been left with a mess as big as this by the last government."