UK Plans Move of 900 Asylum Seekers to Military Barracks Amid Criticism

The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, plans to move approximately 900 asylum seekers from costly hotels to military barracks in Scotland and southern England as part of a broader effort to reduce expenses and improve the asylum system. This strategy involves using sites like Cameron Barracks in Inverness, which has sparked significant local opposition due to concerns about security, lack of consultation, and the barracks' proximity to residential areas. Scottish officials, including Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, have criticized the lack of engagement by the UK government and emphasized the need for partnership and financial support for local councils. Some critics liken the military barracks to town-center hotels, questioning the difference in terms of restrictions and community impact. Past experiences, such as Denmark’s use of former army bases for asylum seekers under harsh conditions, raise concerns about the humanitarian implications of housing migrants in military facilities. Despite these criticisms, the UK government maintains that military sites will provide better security and living standards than current hotel accommodations, which are deemed expensive and ineffective.