The Labour government has announced a tough new stance on asylum seekers who decline to move from hotel accommodation into alternative housing, warning they could lose access to financial and housing support under a revised policy unveiled today.
The initiative, dubbed the “Failure to Travel” policy, forms part of Labour’s wider attempt to restore control over the asylum system, following a surge in Channel crossings and mounting political pressure.
With concerns over potential unrest mirroring last summer’s riots, the move is designed to tackle non-compliance and reduce dependency on costly hotel accommodation—once used to house over 50,000 asylum seekers at a cost of £9 million per day.
Rising Tensions After Protests in Essex
The government’s decision comes in the wake of far-right protests and recent violence in Epping, Essex, where anti-migrant demonstrations led to 16 arrests.
The flashpoint has reignited fears of political extremism and social unrest, with campaigners blaming inflammatory rhetoric for stoking tensions.
Robert Jenrick, former immigration minister and current Shadow Justice Secretary, added fuel to the fire with a controversial post on X (formerly Twitter), voicing support for protesters and expressing concerns over illegal migration and public safety.
“I don’t want my daughters living near men who broke into this country illegally,” Jenrick said, warning that Labour is “oblivious” to the dangers posed by undocumented migrants. His comments drew sharp criticism from Labour and human rights groups alike.
Labour Accuses Conservatives of “Hypocrisy”
A Labour spokesperson responded angrily: “Robert Jenrick was part of the Tory government that let the asylum system spiral into chaos. He had the chance to act and chose not to. Now he dares to criticise the current government’s efforts to clean up his mess.”
Labour has pledged to clear the asylum backlog, crack down on people-smuggling gangs, and phase out hotel use as part of its border control strategy.
According to new figures, the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels fell by 15% in the first quarter of 2025, and the number of hotels used has halved since 2023.
New Policy Targets Abuse While Protecting the Vulnerable
Under the new policy, asylum seekers who unreasonably refuse suitable alternative accommodation risk losing access to housing and financial aid. However, those with valid reasons or vulnerabilities will still be protected.
“This is a firm but fair approach,” said Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum. “We inherited a broken asylum system that was unsustainable and unfair to both migrants and taxpayers. This government is making the hard but necessary decisions to restore order and integrity.”
Backlash Over Hostile Language & Misuse of Funds
Meanwhile, new revelations suggest some asylum seekers have attempted to use government-issued prepaid cards—meant for essentials—to gamble, prompting outrage from Conservative figures.
Over 6,500 gambling-related transactions were recorded in the past year, according to a Freedom of Information request.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp branded the findings “madness”, while Tory MP Louie French went further, demanding: “Deport the migrants.”
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have urged all political leaders to dial down their rhetoric.
“In times of heightened tension, particularly in places like Epping, politicians must lead with compassion and facts—not fear,” said Amnesty’s campaigns director Kerry Moscogiuri.
“Demonising asylum seekers fuels hatred and violence. We must stand for human dignity and rights.”
