Displaying items by tag: immigration policy

A landmark High Court ruling has opened the way for local councils to challenge the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers. The judgement came after Epping Forest District Council successfully argued that protests around a hotel in Essex, earmarked for 140 asylum seekers, had caused 'evidenced harms’ including violence and arrests. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch hailed the ruling as a 'victory for local people’, encouraging other Tory-run councils to pursue similar action. At least four more Conservative councils are now exploring legal challenges, and two Labour-controlled authorities are reassessing their options, in light of the precedent. Reform UK has also urged its councils to follow suit. Hotel use for asylum seekers peaked during the Covid pandemic, housing over 56,000 people in 2023. Current figures show a 15% decline, with 32,345 still accommodated in March. The Government has pledged to phase out asylum hotels by 2029, pledging alternative housing through faster asylum decisions and reduced small-boat crossings.

The Government has introduced new immigration rules making it nearly impossible for refugees who enter illegally - including those arriving by small boat or concealed in vehicles - to obtain British citizenship. From 10 February, applications from individuals who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, regardless of how much time has passed. The Home Office defends the policy as strengthening deterrence, ensuring those who bypass legal entry routes face long-term consequences. However, critics argue that the change creates second-class citizens and contradicts international law, which states that refugees should not be penalised for illegal entry. The new Asylum and Immigration Bill will scrap the Rwanda deportation plan, increase police powers against people smugglers, and criminalise endangering others during illegal crossings. Former home secretary Lord Blunkett has urged parliamentary oversight, warning of the impact on children’s rights and stateless individuals.