Two military sites earmarked as asylum seeker accommodation

The government is seeking to end the use of hotels to house asylum seekers by finding alternative accommodation. Two military sites in Inverness and East Sussex could potentially house hundreds of asylum seekers.

Discussions are underway to use these sites to accommodate 900 men, as first reported in The Times. Currently, around 32,000 asylum seekers are housed in hotels.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has instructed Home Office and Ministry of Defence officials to expedite the process of locating suitable military sites. The government aims to end the use of asylum hotels by the next election.

Plans are being drawn up by ministers to house migrants in the Cameron Barracks in Inverness and Crowborough army training camp in East Sussex by the end of November.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard stated that the sites are not “luxury accommodation” but “adequate for what is required.” He explained that this will help reduce the pressure on the asylum hotel estate and enable its closure at a faster rate.

In March 2024, the National Audit Office concluded that large sites like military bases would cost more than hotels to accommodate asylum seekers. However, Pollard mentioned that costs are currently being assessed and will depend on the specific base.

Pollard emphasised the public’s strong desire to see every asylum hotel closed. He refrained from providing details about the number of asylum seekers to be moved or the timeline for the process.

Pollard acknowledged the need for sufficient engagement with local authorities and adequate security arrangements. He stated that these conversations have been ongoing for some time.

Inverness’s Liberal Democrat MP Angus MacDonald expressed support for using military sites to house asylum seekers, but he found the chosen base in the town centre “a bit odd.”

He explained to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the chosen site is essentially an open barracks without security. MacDonald believed the idea of using army camps was to relocate asylum seekers out of town and reduce their impact on the local population.

The plans for Crowborough Training Camp have sparked mixed reactions among residents. One local recalled that Afghan families evacuated during the 2021 withdrawal from Kabul were previously housed there without any issues. However, others expressed concerns about the potential impact on local services, with one resident highlighting the existing backlog of doctor’s appointments.

The Home Office has been criticised for squandering billions on asylum hotels. There have also been reports of illegal working and a surge in taxi traffic at these hotels.

Ministers are exploring various options, including industrial sites, temporary accommodation, and other disused buildings. Government sources assured the BBC that all potential sites would comply with health and safety standards.

A Home Office spokesperson expressed frustration with the number of illegal migrants and the state of asylum hotels. The government plans to close all asylum hotels and is actively working to find more suitable sites to alleviate pressure on communities and reduce costs.

As of June 2025, there were 32,000 asylum seekers being accommodated in hotels, a decrease from a peak of over 56,000 in 2023, but an increase of 2,500 compared to the previous year.

A recent report revealed that billions of taxpayers’ money had been “squandered” on asylum accommodation. The Home Affairs Committee concluded that hotels were being used as a “go-to” solution rather than a temporary measure.

In response, Sir Keir expressed deep frustration and anger, stating, “I can’t tell you how angry and frustrated I am that we’ve been left with such a mess by the last government.”