UK Government Faces Scrutiny Over Increased Use of Asylum Hotels

Labour's pledge to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers confronts challenges amid rising Channel crossings and inherited system backlogs.

The number of hotels used to house asylum seekers has increased by seven since Labour took office, with 220 hotels currently in use.
Labour had promised in their manifesto to end the use of hotels for asylum accommodation but cites inherited backlogs as a barrier.
Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle highlighted a significant backlog of 116,000 asylum cases left by the previous Conservative government.
The Labour government has increased the processing of asylum cases from fewer than 1,000 to up to 10,000 per month since July.
Critics, including Conservative MPs, have expressed concern over transparency and lack of consultation with local authorities regarding hotel use.