Hundreds of asylum seekers are set to be accommodated in military barracks as the UK government moves to eliminate the reliance on hotels for housing. Plans are in the works to use two sites—one in Scotland and one in East Sussex—to host around 900 men.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged officials from the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence to expedite the search for suitable military locations. The government is aiming to phase out asylum hotels, which have become costly and sparked numerous protests. The target is to have this change in place by the next election.
The selected locations include Cameron Barracks in Inverness and Crowborough army training camp. Alongside these, the government is also exploring industrial sites and temporary accommodations. All chosen sites will adhere to health and safety standards.
Currently, about 32,000 asylum seekers are living in hotels. This figure, while down from a peak of over 56,000 in early 2023, still represents an increase from the previous year. Recent reports highlight how billions of taxpayer money has been wasted on these accommodations, with the Home Affairs Committee criticizing the government for poor contracts and management. It’s estimated that costs for asylum accommodations could rise to over £15 billion.
In light of this, Sir Keir expressed his frustration at the situation left by the prior government. He emphasized his commitment to dismantle the system of asylum hotels, showing strong resolve to address what he sees as a significant issue.
Interestingly, two former military sites are already being used to house asylum seekers—MDP Wethersfield in Essex and Napier Barracks in Kent. These facilities were opened under the previous administration.
As this situation unfolds, public sentiment is mixed. Some people support housing asylum seekers in military facilities, believing it is a more structured environment. Others worry about the implications for local communities. Social media platforms reflect these diverse opinions, with debates ongoing about the best solutions for asylum accommodation.
For more insights and statistics about the asylum situation in the UK, you can check out this BBC report.
