Keir Starmer is set to lead a ministerial meeting this afternoon to discuss accelerating efforts in addressing illegal migration. Downing Street has confirmed that expediting the closure of migrant hotels will be a key topic of discussion following the Prime Minister’s recent commitment to this cause. Starmer has expressed his desire to shut down these facilities before the original 2029 deadline, acknowledging public discontent. In an interview with the BBC, Starmer criticized Reform leader Nigel Farage for promoting impractical ideas.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman acknowledged the public frustration over the increasing number of illegal border crossings and the presence of asylum hotels in local communities. He stated that senior ministers will convene to explore ways to intensify actions against illegal crossings, which include collaboration with French authorities, addressing factors that attract migrants, combating unlawful employment, considering digital ID options, expediting hotel closures, enhancing accommodation alternatives, and facilitating the repatriation of individuals lacking legal rights to stay.
When questioned about advancing the closure of asylum hotels, the PM expressed his eagerness to meet the challenge of achieving this goal sooner than initially planned. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also indicated the government’s intention to expedite the closures, emphasizing that they are actively working towards this objective without specifying exact timelines.
Recent data reveals that the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels decreased to over 32,000 by the end of June, a significant drop from the previous figure recorded during the previous administration. There is mounting pressure on the government to address the hotel accommodation issue, particularly following confrontations outside these venues in recent weeks.
Starmer criticized Reform for capitalizing on grievances related to migration, suggesting that their existence becomes redundant once the migration problem is resolved. Notably, the government successfully appealed a High Court ruling ordering the closure of the Bell Hotel in Epping, allowing it to continue accommodating asylum seekers.
Cooper emphasized the need for a systematic approach in closing the approximately 200 hotels currently in use, stressing the importance of avoiding chaotic closures. She announced that individuals granted refugee status will no longer have the option to sponsor family members to come to the UK. Cooper highlighted a surge in family reunion applications, with some submissions made even before asylum seekers leave Home Office facilities.
Under a new agreement established during the summer, the first wave of small boat arrivals will be returned to France on a ‘one in, one out’ basis starting this month.
