Reports indicate the Home Office intends to house 10,000 migrants across 14 sites throughout the UK.
The British government is facing mounting criticism after a leaked Home Office document, reported by British media, revealed that up to 14 additional locations nationwide have been earmarked to accommodate thousands of undocumented migrants.
This initiative aligns with Labour’s commitment to discontinue the use of taxpayer-funded asylum hotels, which currently incur billions of pounds annually, by 2029. The memo, classified as “official sensitive” and initially cited by The Sunday Times, indicated that the Home Office has developed plans to resettle as many as 10,000 asylum seekers across the UK.
Under the proposed scheme, migrants would be housed in upgraded former military facilities that are ready to commence receiving arrivals immediately.
Thus far, British media have confirmed two specific locations: Cameron Barracks in Inverness and the Crowborough Army Training Camp in East Sussex.
In Inverness, where the planned accommodation is situated a short distance from the city centre, local residents have also expressed concerns, with many citing worries about “the safety of women and girls.”
According to government figures, the Home Office currently provides support for approximately 103,000 migrants at public expense, including just over 32,000 accommodated in hotels. Over 1,000 individuals crossed the Channel in small boats during a two-day period last week, bringing this year’s total to over 38,000 – surpassing the 36,816 recorded throughout all of 2024, as reported by GB News.