Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has launched a scathing attack on Labour's handling of the asylum seeker housing crisis, branding their reliance on temporary camps and hotels as inadequate and unsustainable.
In a fiery statement, Badenoch argued that such measures fail to address the root causes of the issue, leaving thousands in limbo while costing taxpayers millions. 'Camps and hotels are not the solution,' she declared. 'We need long-term, sustainable strategies that uphold both our humanitarian obligations and fiscal responsibility.'
Labour's Controversial Approach
Labour has faced mounting criticism for its reliance on emergency accommodations, including repurposed military barracks and budget hotel chains, to house asylum seekers. Critics argue this approach exacerbates social tensions and strains local resources.
Badenoch highlighted the spiralling costs of these temporary measures, with some hotels charging the government over £100 per person per night. 'This is taxpayers' money being wasted on a system that solves nothing,' she said.
Call for Policy Overhaul
The Business Secretary called for a complete overhaul of asylum housing policies, urging cross-party collaboration to develop more permanent solutions. She suggested:
- Increased investment in purpose-built reception centres
- Faster processing of asylum claims to reduce backlog
- Better integration programmes for successful applicants
Immigration experts warn that without systemic changes, the UK's asylum system risks complete collapse. With record numbers crossing the Channel and accommodation costs soaring, the pressure on policymakers has never been greater.
