A total of 14 housing bodies across the UK sent a letter to the prime minister and Michael Gove expressing concern about the suggested proposal of a “British homes for British workers” scheme.

The letter highlighted that, according to government data, 90% of new social housing lettings go to UK nationals and that “we all deserve safe housing, regardless of where we are from”.

It added that “at the heart of the issue” was the urgent need for more social housing, which provides a stable and affordable home for people who cannot afford to rent privately or buy their own home.