UK Shifts Asylum Seekers to Military Sites Amid Channel Crossings Surge and Public Backlash
September 7, 2025
Following protests and public dissatisfaction, several migrant hotels, including the Crowne Plaza near Heathrow, are closing, and the government is finalizing a returns agreement with Germany to complement existing deals with France.
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has promised to stop boats within two weeks of legislation passing, though they later clarified this depends on legislative approval, and their policies have been criticized for copying previous Tory migration strategies.
There is political pressure from opposition figures and parties like Reform UK, which has made bold promises to curb small boat crossings, but critics argue their proposed methods, such as towing boats back to France, are unfeasible.
Starmer emphasizes a whole-of-government approach to immigration reform, with officials like Mahmood overseeing borders and asylum policies, and is open to reforms in domestic human rights laws.
Labour has pledged to end the use of asylum hotels within four years, aiming for a faster transition to community-based housing, with Mahmood tasked with implementing this plan.
Recent days have seen an estimated 1,000 arrivals by small boats, with ongoing rescue operations by French authorities highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Campaigners and refugee organizations criticize the expansion of military sites for asylum housing, advocating for faster, fairer decisions and community-based solutions instead of military camps.
While specific locations for military housing have not yet been disclosed, the government is actively considering army barracks as part of its strategy to manage migration.
The UK government is planning to move asylum seekers from hotels into military barracks, utilizing Ministry of Defence sites, as part of a broader crackdown on immigration amid rising small boat crossings in the Channel.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has conducted a major government reshuffle, including key changes in the Home Office, aiming to improve border management and demonstrate government effectiveness in tackling illegal immigration.
Starmer has instructed Home Secretary Mahmood to 'get a grip' on small boat crossings, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive government effort to address illegal immigration.
The move to use military sites follows widespread protests and public dissatisfaction over migrants living in hotels at taxpayers' expense, prompting the closure of several facilities, including the temporarily vacated Crowne Plaza.
Discussions are underway about using Ministry of Defence sites to temporarily accommodate small boat arrivals, aiming to restore border control and public confidence.
Summary based on 15 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Sep 6, 2025
Shabana Mahmood set to move asylum seekers from hotels to barracks
The Guardian • Sep 7, 2025
Military sites may be used to house asylum seekers, says defence secretary
Daily Mirror • Sep 7, 2025
Military barracks plan to end asylum hotel use being drawn up by new Home Secretary