The government must legally provide housing for asylum-seekers. Before 2020, using hotels attracted little attention.
Rising asylum-seeker numbers in 2020 forced the Conservative government to quickly find new housing solutions.
Over 27,000 unauthorized arrivals occurred this year, nearly 50% more than last year.
By June, the government housed just over 32,000 asylum-seekers in hotels, up from 29,500 a year earlier, still below the September 2023 peak of 56,000.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, 111,084 people applied for asylum, the highest yearly total since 2001.
The National Audit Office reported that 35% of asylum accommodation residents temporarily lived in hotels.
Protests and Public Response
Protesters filled streets across the UK on Saturday, including Liverpool, to oppose hotels housing asylum-seekers.
Right-wing parties coined the slogan “Abolish Asylum System,” which protests used in Bristol, Newcastle, and London.
In Liverpool, Stand Up To Racism organised a counter-protest against the Abolish Asylum System demonstration.
Police escorted some protesters from Abolish Asylum System events and pushed back counter-protest participants.
Legal Challenges and Political Tensions
A recent court ruling complicated the government’s housing efforts for asylum-seekers.
Opponents of hotel housing now feel encouraged to challenge accommodations in court.
Right-wing politicians leveraged a temporary injunction against an Epping hotel to inspire similar legal actions elsewhere.
Unauthorized immigration and Channel crossings in overcrowded boats continue to fuel public debate about government responsibility and costs.
