UK Prime Minister Aims to Close All Asylum Hotels by 2029 Following Widespread Protests

The British Prime Minister has announced a commitment to close all asylum seeker hotels across the United Kingdom, a move that comes amidst increasing public pressure and widespread protests concerning the use of such accommodations. This declaration aligns with the Labour government's broader strategy to overhaul the asylum system and reduce reliance on temporary housing solutions.

The use of hotels to house asylum seekers became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a surge in applications and a backlog in processing claims. As of June 2025, approximately 32,000 asylum seekers were housed in over 200 hotels nationwide, a practice costing the government millions daily. The Home Office maintains that this measure was temporary to fulfill statutory obligations for accommodating destitute asylum seekers.

The Labour government has pledged to end the use of these hotels by 2029, with Minister for Border Security and Asylum Angela Eagle stating the aim is a "controlled and orderly" exit from these arrangements. While the government reported a 16% reduction in hotel residents in the first half of 2025, contributing to significant cost savings, the total number of asylum seekers in hotels in June 2025 was still higher than in June 2024.

The Prime Minister's announcement follows numerous protests and counter-protests across the country, highlighting intense public debate over the issue. As stated in a tweet by PeterSweden, "> The British Prime Minister has now announced that he wants to see all the as*ylum seeker hotels CLOSED. Looks like the massive protests might be having some effect." This sentiment reflects a perception that public demonstrations have influenced policy. The recent Court of Appeal ruling overturning an injunction against housing asylum seekers in the Bell Hotel in Epping further underscored the contentious nature of the policy.

Opposition parties, including the Conservative Party and Reform UK, have criticized the government's handling of the asylum system, accusing it of prioritizing migrants' rights over local community concerns. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has been a vocal critic, advocating for mass deportations and reforms to human rights treaties. Pro-migrant groups also support closing hotels, citing poor conditions and the need for more suitable, long-term accommodation for asylum seekers.