Members of the British parliament have challenged Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris over the government's plans to house asylum seekers on military sites, with local councils telling the Home Affairs Committee the locations are not suitable.
The scrutiny comes as fresh data shows the number of asylum cases awaiting an initial decision has fallen seventy-three per cent from its 2023 peak — but London remains a stark outlier, with nearly six in ten asylum seekers in the capital still living in hotels.
The government says its approach has saved taxpayers close to a billion pounds (approximately 1.3 billion dollars), while opposition parties say ministers have not proved the plans are viable.
Olly Barratt reports from London.
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Reporter Olly Barratt in London says critics argue housing asylum seekers on military sites may actually cost the taxpayer more than using hotels.
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