In a bold move to overhaul Britain's asylum system, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered the Home Office to shut down all asylum hotels within the next twelve months. The dramatic announcement signals the new Labour government's determination to tackle the controversial and costly accommodation scheme that became a lightning rod for public discontent.
Military Sites Emerge as Potential Solution
Government ministers have revealed that former military bases are being actively considered as alternative accommodation for asylum seekers. This strategic shift would mark a significant departure from the previous system that saw thousands of migrants housed in hotels across the country at substantial taxpayer expense.
The closure timeline represents one of Starmer's most ambitious immigration pledges since taking office. "The hotel system has been unsustainable both financially and socially," a senior government source confirmed. "We're determined to deliver a more efficient and cost-effective approach."
Cost-Cutting Measure Amid Backlog Crisis
The asylum hotel programme has cost the British public billions of pounds in recent years, with critics arguing it created perverse incentives and placed undue pressure on local communities. The new administration believes moving to purpose-built accommodation, including potentially refurbished military facilities, could yield substantial savings while improving processing efficiency.
Defence officials are understood to be working closely with the Home Office to identify suitable sites that meet both security and humanitarian standards. The transition is expected to be phased, with the first hotels likely to close within months rather than years.
Challenges and Opposition
However, the plan faces significant hurdles. Local authorities near potential military sites have already expressed concerns about infrastructure pressures, while refugee charities warn that alternative accommodation must meet basic living standards.
Immigration experts question whether the twelve-month timeframe is achievable, given the ongoing backlog in asylum applications and the need to ensure any new facilities are properly equipped and staffed.
The announcement comes as the government seeks to demonstrate rapid progress on one of Starmer's key election commitments - restoring public confidence in the UK's immigration system while maintaining Britain's international obligations to those fleeing persecution.
