politics
The hidden truth behind the shutting of Labour's asylum hotels and why it should terrify you
Andy Burnham handed plan to fix asylum system as UK facing record-high appeals
TL;DR
- The number of asylum seekers in 'non-hotel accommodation' has risen by about nine percent since Labour took power in 2024.
- Over 73,000 migrants were housed in non-hotel accommodation in the 12 months leading up to June 2026, representing 78% of all asylum seekers.
- From December 2022 to June 2026, non-hotel accommodation numbers increased by 22%.
- Army barracks and other dispersed housing are being used, leading to local and national protests.
- Labour aims to end asylum hotel use by the end of the parliament.
- Chris Philp MP criticized Labour, stating numbers in dispersal accommodation have climbed by 12% and advocating for deportations.
- Zia Yusuf of Reform stated that new data shows Britain is 'at breaking point' and the 'invasion of Britain continues under Labour'.
- Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, reported a decrease in the asylum backlog, falling numbers of asylum seekers in hotels, and an increase in arrests for illegal working, deportations, and returns.
- Small boats numbers are also reported to be falling.
- Specific locations mentioned for housing include Wethersfield and Crowborough Training Camp.