Sir Keir Starmer has launched a direct assault on the Conservative Party's immigration strategy, pledging that a Labour government would put a rapid end to the contentious and costly use of hotels to house asylum seekers.
The Labour leader made the commitment during a campaign visit to Epping Forest, a constituency emblematic of the 'Blue Wall' seats where the Conservatives are under intense pressure. This area, like many others, has seen local hotels contracted by the government to accommodate migrants, a policy that has sparked significant local discontent and become a focal point in the political debate.
A Key Battleground in the Immigration Debate
Starmer's choice of location was highly strategic. Epping Forest is currently held by Conservative Dame Eleanor Laing but is a prime target for Labour. The issue of asylum hotels is a potent one here, and Starmer directly addressed the frustrations of residents.
He framed the current situation as a symbol of broader Conservative failure, criticising the government for a lack of planning and control that has led to a massive backlog of asylum claims and the subsequent reliance on expensive hotel accommodations.
Taking the Fight to Reform UK
The pledge is also a clear move to counter the growing influence of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, which has sought to capitalise on public concerns about immigration. By promising decisive action, Starmer aims to convince voters that Labour offers a competent, alternative solution to the problem, contrasting what he describes as Tory "gimmicks" with Labour's "practical plans".
He emphasised that clearing the asylum backlog and processing claims efficiently is the only way to ultimately stop the use of hotels, a message designed to appeal to voters seeking both firm management and pragmatic solutions.
This commitment forms a central part of Labour's broader campaign to win back trust on issues of national security and border control, arguing that strong, secure borders are built on competence, not just rhetoric.
