UK to Move 900 Asylum Seekers to Military Barracks

The UK government plans to move about 900 male asylum seekers out of hotels into military sites including Cameron Barracks in Inverness and Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex as part of a drive to end the use of costly asylum hotels. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has instructed the Home Office and Ministry of Defence to accelerate work, with moves possibly starting by the end of November, and officials say all sites will meet health and safety standards. The decision follows a damning Home Affairs Committee report that found the Home Office squandered billions on hotel contracts due to flawed procurement and “incompetent” delivery, prompting vows to close every asylum hotel. Defence minister Luke Pollard said the MOD is stepping up to support the Home Office, and ministers point to 24 hotel closures so far that have reportedly saved around £1bn.