The UK government is preparing to move asylum seekers out of hotels and into military barracks, signalling a major policy shift as Labour looks to show a tougher stance on immigration. Newly appointed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to outline the plan in the coming days, with Defence Secretary John Healey confirming that Ministry of Defence sites are under review as possible accommodation. The proposal follows months of protests outside hotels used to house migrants and comes amid a sharp rise in small-boat crossings. Ministers argue the change would cut costs and reduce reliance on hotel rooms, while critics warn it could worsen conditions for those seeking safety. The move is one of the first big tests for Mahmood as she takes control of the Home Office, long regarded as one of the government’s most politically sensitive departments.
Hotels Under Pressure After Protests
Dozens of hotels currently used to house asylum seekers are expected to shut down, with officials acknowledging that they have become flashpoints for unrest. Several of the sites have seen demonstrations in recent months, adding political urgency to the government’s decision to phase them out. Healey said ministers remain determined to end what he described as “expensive asylum hotels,” which at one point numbered around 400 under the previous government. While the figure has since fallen, progress has been slower than ministers would like, putting pressure on Mahmood to deliver change quickly.
Surge in Channel Crossings
The plan comes against the backdrop of rising Channel arrivals. More than 1,000 people are thought to have reached the UK by small boat on Saturday alone, while French authorities reported rescuing 24 others attempting the crossing. The figures highlight the scale of the challenge facing Labour as it seeks to reassure voters that it can manage borders effectively. Immigration has long been one of the most divisive issues in British politics, and the spike in arrivals has renewed scrutiny of the government’s response.
A Tough Stance on Security and Protests
Mahmood’s early days at the Home Office will also be defined by how she handles security threats and public protests. The government recently proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, and Healey insisted the new home secretary would be “just as tough” as her predecessor Yvette Cooper in tackling the group. More than 425 people were arrested in London on Saturday during a demonstration organised by its supporters. Meanwhile, the Home Office is preparing to appeal a High Court ruling that allows the group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, to pursue a legal challenge against the government ban.
Cabinet Reshuffle Brings New Faces
The developments follow a major reshuffle by Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The shake-up moved Yvette Cooper from the Home Office to the Foreign Office, while former industry minister Sarah Jones has been appointed policing minister. Newer Labour MPs, including Dover representative Mike Tapp and Alex Norris, have also been brought into Mahmood’s team. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones dismissed opposition claims of instability, insisting the changes have created the “strongest team” around the cabinet table. He also ruled out the possibility of an early election.
What Comes Next
As ministers weigh the shift to military sites, the debate over asylum policy is set to intensify. Supporters say moving people out of hotels could ease public anger and reduce costs, while critics caution that barracks may not provide adequate living conditions for vulnerable migrants. For Mahmood, the decision will be a defining early challenge—one that could shape both her tenure at the Home Office and Labour’s broader credibility on immigration. With Channel crossings continuing to rise, the government will face increasing pressure to demonstrate not just firm rhetoric, but effective solutions.
