Labour Slammed for Breaking Promise to Stop Using Hotels for Asylum Seekers| But Here is The Excuse They Gave

Labour had promised to stop  but criticism is growing as the practice continues, costing taxpayers millions. MPs across the UK are frustrated and will raise the issue in a special debate this week.

Many hotels that had returned to normal operations are now reopening as “asylum hotels.” For example, Windsor MP Jack Rankin was told by the Home Office last October that a local hotel in Datchet would house up to 85 male asylum seekers within 24 hours. He says his constituents are demanding answers about how long this will continue but have received no clear response.

Labour pledged during their campaign to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers, claiming it would save billions. Yet, by the end of September, over 33,000 asylum seekers—a third of those needing support—were still being housed in hotels.

Mr. Rankin accused Labour of breaking their promises, saying, “They said they would end hotel use but have opened more. They scrapped the Rwanda scheme, which was a deterrent, and now illegal crossings have increased by 23,000 since they took office.” He added that local services and tourism in areas like Datchet are under pressure due to the situation.

Tim Naor Hilton, CEO of Refugee Action, said the issue stems from the lack of social housing and poor planning by previous governments. He called the situation a “crisis,” adding that asylum seekers in hotels are facing unsafe and cramped conditions while private companies profit.

A Home Office spokesperson responded, saying, “We are committed to fixing the asylum system, ending the use of hotels, and returning people who have no right to stay in the UK. Since the election, 16,400 individuals have been sent back.”