As per government plans, Rishi Sunak will transfer asylum seekers from hotels to military bases and abandoned boats.
The suggestions, which may be unveiled in the upcoming weeks, have not been disputed by government officials, according to a report published by The Telegraph yesterday.
Sunak might claim that employing hotels to house asylum seekers is beginning to come to an end as early as next week.
According to The Telegraph, those looking for safety in the UK will instead be housed in “good but primitive” accommodations on former military sites.
The newspaper noted that two military bases being considered include RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire, and MDP Wethersfield in Braintree, Essex.
People already in hotel accommodations and those arriving by small boat across the perilous English Channel will be placed there.
The alleged plans come after a Lincolnshire councillor suggested 1,500 asylum seekers could be housed at RAF Scampton in housing including cabins on the runway.
More than 40 historians including Tom Holland wrote an open letter criticising the plan, joining a chorus of locals and politicians opposing the plan.
The historians wrote: ‘To erase Scampton’s heritage, rather than preserve, protect and enhance it further, would be a scandalous desecration of immeasurable recklessness.’
Ministers are also considering placing people in ferries, though it’s understood previous plans to use holiday camps and student halls may be unlikely now.
A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being placed on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country.
‘We continue to work across government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options.’
The Migrants’ Rights Network tweeted today: ‘Yet another appalling and inhumane measure by the Home Office.
‘Placing people who are seeking safety in military accommodation and disused ferries will mean MORE misery, trauma and further isolation from the communities who want to support and welcome them.’
Hotels housing asylum seekers have been the site of fire, vandalism and violence in recent months, with far-right anti-immigration groups targeting the buildings.
The use of hotel accommodations for people seeking asylum almost trebled in 2021, leaving tens of thousands languishing with very limited resources.
Some families have spent months or even a year in temporary accommodation, according to a report by the campaign group Refugee Council.
The number of families – which include 25,000 children – made to live in single hotel rooms has increased by nearly a third, the report added.
Refugee Council note how these lengthy stays take a toll on asylum seekers, ‘with depression and even suicidal ideation amongst many, including children, being rife,’ it said.
‘They are often living in an environment which is not safe, due both to an increase in far-right activity and harassment targeted at people living in asylum hotels, as well as risks of people being trafficked from hotels,’ Refugee Council added.
Asylum seekers have described being placed in far-flung accommodations, their allowances barely covering bus passes, phone and internet bills and clothing.
Others have said they face leaking windows, broken heaters and inedible food.
One asylum seeker, who has spent five months living in temporary housing as he awaits a response to his claim, said he lives on just £8 a week
‘I don’t understand why they put me in the middle of nowhere,’ Zarith told Metro.co.uk of the Home Office, adding that he has to walk for two hours to get to his nearest pharmacy.
‘It’s as if they’re trying to crush me. My soul is destroyed. I need civilisation.’