The UK government is preparing to repurpose military facilities for asylum accommodation as part of a broader plan to end reliance on hotel hosting earlier than scheduled. Defence Secretary John Healey announced that underused bases will provide temporary shelter while new reception centres are brought online. He emphasized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s determination to eliminate hotels from the asylum system ahead of the original timeline.
From Hotels to Barracks: A Shift in Policy
For years, the Home Office has relied on contracted hotel rooms to house newly arrived asylum seekers. Critics blame this “hotel estate” for high costs, poor living conditions, and the social isolation of vulnerable families. In contrast, military sites offer self-contained units and existing welfare infrastructure. Healey noted that military planners could adapt dining halls, medical centres, and communal spaces to meet basic needs without major construction work.
Starmer’s Accelerated Timeline
At a recent cabinet briefing, Keir Starmer insisted that ending hotel use by late next year is a top domestic priority. The original plan targeted a gradual reduction, aiming to decommission hotels by mid-2026. However, public pressure over escalating costs—estimated at over £7 million per night for all occupied rooms—has pushed the government to move faster. Healey affirmed that Starmer’s administration will phase out at least half of hotel placements by December and complete the transition by May.
“We have the accommodation and the capacity,” Healey said. “Our focus now is turning that capacity into proper, safe housing for asylum seekers, not temporary bed-and-breakfast arrangements.”
Benefits and Challenges
Repurposing military bases promises several advantages:
- Cost efficiency: Running costs per person could fall dramatically compared to premium hotel rates.
- Community integration: Bases located near towns can connect residents to local services and voluntary support networks.
- Improved facilities: Dormitory-style living can facilitate communal activities and on-site support, reducing isolation.
Nonetheless, challenges remain. Some local authorities have raised concerns over planning approvals and transport links. Additionally, military sites may lack play areas or private family space, requiring modular attachments or portable structures. Officials are also finalizing staffing plans to ensure mental-health specialists and legal advisers are available on site.
Political Reactions
Opposition leaders cautiously welcomed the proposal but warned against military-style containment. Conservative MP Lisa Nandy argued that former government ministers should be held accountable for the hotel policy’s failure. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats echoed calls for humane treatment and swift asylum processing to prevent long-term dependence on state accommodation.
Humanitarian groups urged transparency in site selection and full community consultation. Refugee Council spokesperson Aisha Khan stressed that any new system must uphold dignity and legal rights, not simply relocate the bottleneck from one building type to another.
Next Steps
The Defence Ministry will audit underused sites over the coming weeks. Identified bases will undergo safety inspections and minor renovations before accepting families. The Home Office aims to publish a detailed rollout plan by early October, including schedules for hotel closures and asylum-processing capacity increases.
Starmer has framed this as part of a broader immigration strategy combining faster case resolution, offshore asylum hubs, and enhanced support for local authorities. While experts agree that shifting away from hotels is overdue, success will depend on seamless coordination between Defence, Home Office, and community stakeholders.
The coming months will test whether military-site housing can deliver a more dignified, cost-effective alternative to the hotel estate—and whether the government can keep its promise to end reliance on hotels well before 2026.
