It will be some time before the impact of the government’s new policies on asylum seekers becomes clear. What is certain is that the work of the support groups that offer them dignity and respect will only become more important

Words and how we use them matter. Last month in Bristol – a “city of sanctuary” – anti-migrant protesters gathered outside a hotel. There was a counter-protest with violence, injury and some arrests. At about the same time, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said the country was being “torn apart” by illegal immigration. In this context, the word “hotel” has become dirty. According to the Home Affairs Committee of MPs, billions of pounds have been “squandered” on asylum accommodation. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says he is “determined” to close all asylum hotels. In June last year there were 32,059 asylum seekers housed in hotels. This figure is considerably lower than at its peak, but is 8 per cent higher than it was in June 2024.

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