The number of asylum seekers being temporarily housed in hotels across the UK has risen by 8% under Labour compared to the same point last year, according to Home Office data. However, despite the increase, government spending on asylum in the UK has decreased by 12%, standing at £4.76 billion in 2024/25.
Labour-run councils are among those considering legal challenges against hotels housing asylum seekers as the government scrambles to draw up a contingency plan. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Tory local councils to take inspiration from the Epping legal ruling, which banned the use of The Bell Hotel in Essex for asylum seekers after protests turned violent.
The opposition leader cited the Epping case victory for local people and urged her party’s councils to launch their own challenges. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also called for his party’s councils to challenge hotel accommodation, while Labour MP Carol Dean said her authority was “carefully assessing” what the decision might mean for the area.
A High Court judge ruled that asylum seekers can no longer be housed at The Bell Hotel in Epping due to unrest and protests. The judgement requires all migrants currently housed there – around 140 men – to leave by 4pm on September 12.
As the government faces increased pressure, concerns are being raised about the impact of hotel accommodation on local communities. Labour MP Oliver Ryan condemned an arson attack on a building in Burnley that was falsely believed to be repurposed for asylum seekers, highlighting the need for more awareness and education about the issue.
The UK’s migration numbers have soared to a record 111,000 in the past year, with small boats continuing to cross the Channel at increasing rates. As Labour braces for further legal action from revolting councils seeking similar bans in their areas, experts warn of the need for a more effective and sustainable immigration system.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/asylum-hotels-migrants-labour-latest-news-b2811578.html