A senior cabinet minister has stated that military sites could be used temporarily to accommodate asylum seekers, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is committed to ending the use of hotels sooner than the previously planned 2029 deadline. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that military planners are assessing potential locations on defence bases for this purpose.
Healey explained on Sky News that military experts are working with the Home Office to explore both military and non-military sites for temporary housing. The aim is to process individuals arriving by small boats more quickly, determining whether they have the right to remain or should be deported, as has been done in record numbers over the past year.
When questioned on BBC One about a potential expanded military role in border patrols, Healey did not provide a definitive answer, indicating that current involvement is limited to planning and the use of bases.
Starmer has recently toughened his stance on small boat arrivals, partly in response to pressure from Reform UK, which leads in polls and criticizes the government’s handling of immigration. Public discontent has also grown, with protests occurring outside hotels housing asylum seekers, such as in Epping, Essex, following a sexual assault incident involving a minor.
In a recent cabinet reshuffle, Starmer appointed Shabana Mahmood as the new home secretary, replacing Yvette Cooper. The government is also considering changes to how the European Convention on Human Rights is applied, specifically regarding the right to family life, to facilitate more deportations of those deemed ineligible to stay.
Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, criticized the idea of using military camps, pointing out that previous attempts were costly and inefficient. He advocated for a more practical approach, including faster decision-making and community-based housing to help refugees integrate and rebuild their lives.
Meanwhile, Reform UK pledged at its conference to halt small boat crossings within two weeks of taking office. Party leader Nigel Farage clarified that this would involve passing legislation to prevent judges from blocking deportations of individuals who entered illegally. The party’s policy head, Zia Yusuf, denied plans to use shipping containers for housing, instead proposing purpose-built modular structures, citing examples like former President Trump’s rapid construction of detention facilities in Florida.Download the Guardian app (available for iOS and Android) and open the menu. Select ‘Secure Messaging’. You can reach us through SecureDrop, instant messaging apps, email, phone, or postal mail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the UK Defence Secretarys statement on using military sites for asylum seekers presented in a clear and natural tone
General Definition Questions
Q What was actually announced
A The Defence Secretary stated that the government is considering using empty military bases and other defence sites as temporary accommodation to house asylum seekers
Q Why is this being considered
A The government says its to reduce the massive cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels which is currently over 6 million per day and to deter people from crossing the English Channel in small boats
Q What kind of military sites are we talking about
A This could include disused barracks vacant training areas and other MoDowned land that is not currently in active use for military operations
Practical Logistical Questions
Q Would this be safe for both asylum seekers and local communities
A The government states that any site used would have to meet legal and welfare standards However critics and local communities have raised concerns about security the impact on local services and the wellbeing of those housed there
Q How many people could be housed this way
A The numbers arent final but estimates suggest several sites could collectively hold thousands of asylum seekers
Q Is this a permanent solution
A No its being proposed as a temporary shorttomedium term measure while the government pursues its longterm policies such as processing claims faster and deporting some arrivals to Rwanda
Concerns Criticism Questions
Q What are the main arguments against this plan
A Critics argue that isolated military sites are unsuitable and inhumane for vulnerable people could create ghettolike conditions may lack proper access to legal and health services and place a strain on nearby towns and villages
Q Are there any legal challenges to this
A Yes its highly likely Local councils and community groups may challenge decisions based on planning permission environmental impact and whether the accommodation meets required standards for human dignity
Q What do military personnel think about this
A Opinions are mixed Some see it as a practical use of empty resources while others are concerned about the potential impact on military morale base security and the reputation of the armed forces
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