UK Considers Fort Blockhouse for Migrant Housing Amid Hotel Overcapacity

The UK government is considering using Fort Blockhouse, Britain's oldest sea fort located in Gosport, Hampshire, as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers amid a surge in Channel crossings. Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is reviewing military sites for this purpose as part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s plan to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by the end of the Parliament. The fort, which dates back to 1431 and has served various military roles, was put up for sale in 2016 but remains unsold. Local MP Dame Caroline Dinenage strongly opposes the proposal, describing it as a "terrible outcome" for a unique historical site with significant potential, and has called for alternative plans to promote economic growth at the location. The government’s exploration of military sites follows earlier criticism of the use of facilities like the Bibby Stockholm barge for migrant accommodation. The move reflects growing pressure to manage over 30,000 migrants who have crossed the English Channel this year, the highest early-year total since records began.