Home Office Drops Waterlooville Asylum Housing Plans After Protests

Plans to house 35 asylum seekers in a converted retail building in Waterlooville, Hampshire, were dropped after strong opposition led by Suella Braverman, the MP for Fareham and Waterlooville. Braverman called the plans "outrageous" and "insulting to local people," organizing a petition that gathered over 10,000 signatures and a protest of around 2,000 residents. The Home Office and its contractor Clearsprings decided not to proceed with the accommodation, deeming the property unsuitable, with Havant Borough Council also raising concerns about fire safety compliance. The council leader, Phil Munday, criticized Braverman for using inflammatory language by referring to asylum seekers as "illegal migrants" and urged more careful communication. Despite the council's objections, Braverman praised the local community for peacefully protesting and standing up for their town and country. The Home Office indicated it would continue efforts to house asylum seekers in the area to meet statutory obligations, reflecting wider government policies to disperse asylum seekers across different regions.