A recent poll suggests a significant portion of the public opposes housing asylum seekers in their immediate areas, despite a general agreement that the responsibility for accommodating them should be shared more equitably across the nation. The survey, conducted by Find Out Now with a sample of over 10,000 adults, found that 57 percent of voters do not want more migrants in their locality, while only 15 percent expressed willingness.
Despite this local opposition, 51 percent of those surveyed agreed that asylum seekers should be housed evenly across all regions of the country, with 26 percent disagreeing. A strong consensus emerged on the need for stricter border controls, as 82 percent of all voters believe the government should increase efforts to stop illegal entries via small boats, a sentiment shared by only 5 percent who disagreed.
The poll also identified areas with the highest opposition to accepting migrants, with Lincolnshire topping the list at 57 percent, followed by Worcestershire, Shropshire, and County Durham. Conversely, Wiltshire showed the least opposition, with only 21 percent against, followed by East Sussex, Merseyside, and Nottinghamshire.
These findings come amidst ongoing efforts to move asylum seekers out of hotels and into alternative accommodations, including repurposed military sites. In Piddington, Oxfordshire, a disused military base is being converted to house 1,250 migrants, a plan that has met local resistance. Similarly, a former military base in Crowborough, East Sussex, is slated to house migrants until 2030, also prompting protests.
Concerns have also been raised about the proximity of proposed accommodation sites to schools and residential areas. In Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire, plans to house up to 1,200 male asylum seekers at a former flight training school have led to discussions about the ratio of migrants to local residents and the proximity to a primary school and nursery. In west Suffolk, plans to convert RAF Barnham into accommodation for 1,250 asylum seekers have led some parents to consider moving their children from the local school.
Regarding the Piddington proposal, a minister for border security and asylum stated that all necessary provisions would be available on-site, and the accommodation would not be within the village itself. The Home Office has stated its commitment to housing asylum seekers fairly across the country and working with local authorities to minimize community impact. They also noted that the number of asylum seekers receiving support is decreasing and that asylum costs have fallen by £1 billion since the last General Election.
In a separate but related controversy, former Conservative health minister Edwina Currie made remarks suggesting the need for a brothel to cater to the needs of 1,200 young men housed in a camp near Piddington. While she described the comment as deliberately provocative to highlight issues with current migration policies, it drew criticism from various political figures and campaigners. Currie maintained that the primary solution lies in preventing illegal crossings and expediting the removal of those who arrive unlawfully.