In a major policy address, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged that an incoming Labour government would launch an immediate assault on the UK's crippling asylum backlog, aiming to drastically reduce the exorbitant use of emergency hotel accommodation.
Cooper slammed the current Conservative government's record as one of "record failure," highlighting a staggering 62,000 asylum cases languishing in the system for over six months. This bureaucratic paralysis, she argued, is the primary driver behind the massive £1.7 billion annual bill for housing migrants in hotels.
A Twin-Track Approach: Clearing Backlogs & Smashing Gangs
Cooper outlined a two-pronged strategy to tackle the crisis. The first focuses on efficiency and cost-cutting within the existing system.
Key measures include:
- Rapid Processing Units: Establishing new, dedicated caseworking teams to fast-track decisions on older asylum claims.
- Ending Hotel Reliance: A concerted drive to clear the backlog and move individuals out of expensive temporary accommodation.
- Tackling Inefficiency: Reforming the system to prevent new cases from becoming stuck.
New Cross-Border Police Unit To Target Criminal Networks
The second pillar of the plan directly targets the small boat crossings themselves. Cooper announced Labour's intention to form a new, specialist Cross-Border Police Unit working in tandem with the National Crime Agency (NCA).
This unit would be specifically tasked with disrupting and dismantling the ruthless criminal gangs organising perilous journeys across the Channel, moving beyond mere border enforcement to proactive, intelligence-led policing.
This commitment to international cooperation marks a clear distinction from the government's controversial Rwanda scheme, which Labour has vowed to scrap, redirecting the funds towards practical law enforcement solutions.
A Record of Failure vs. A Promise of Order
Positioning Labour as the party of competent and pragmatic governance, Cooper contrasted her party's plans with what she termed the Tories' "chaos and failure." She emphasised that a functioning asylum system is essential for both secure borders and a compassionate approach to those legitimately seeking refuge.
The pledge to end the costly and controversial use of hotels will likely resonate with voters concerned about government spending and community impacts, while the focus on smashing smuggling gangs aims to address a key concern over border security.
