New Judge, I am perfectly aware that the duty to rescue was never intended for the circumstances which exist today. To change it, as I am sure you are aware, would involve new international treaties and doubtless changes at the UN as well, none of which will happen any time in the near future. things are as they are, and wishing they were otherwise won't make the migration problem go away. So we (as in the EU) are stuck with it for now at any rate.
I am also aware that central government does not have a duty to build housing for the populace. "Affordable housing" implies housing which is for sale, I am talking about housing which is for rent, controlled by local councils.
Back in the 1930's the LCC built the largest council estate in south London less than five miles from where I am sitting. Major property developments have been undertaken by councils and encouraged by governments before.
Since governments seem to enjoy "investing" in the things we need, why not invest in housing for a change ? Design estates with a mix of housing and flats of varying sizes; build to a high standard; use solar panels, insulation and where appropriate hear exchangers and other things to keep the running costs as low as possible; use recycled materials to manufacture some of the interiors. And most important of all, encourage the UK companies who already produce a lot of this stuff to supply the goods on a much larger scale, thereby creating jobs and keeping a lot of the money spent on the project in this country as well as providing a base for exports which will bring more money into the country. Oh, and just as important, make sure those properties can't be sold off under the right to buy scheme because it is pointless building property for rent which will be sold off at a large discount in 5, 10 or 20 years time.
Could it be done ? Probably, but not by the major building companies on the kind of scale which would be required, which is why I suggested that government should put the money into something which has the potential to pay dividends all round.