Asylum hotels latest: Cooper to unveil crackdown on asylum system after Epping ruling sparks fresh protests – UK Times

In a message to Reform UK, which has promised mass deportations, and the Tories, who want to revive the Rwanda scheme, Yvette Cooper is expected to say: “These are complex challenges and they require sustainable and workable solutions, not fantasy promises which can’t be delivered.”

She will say the UK has a “proud record of giving sanctuary to those fleeing persecution” but the system “needs to be properly controlled and managed, so the rules are respected and enforced, and so governments, not criminal gangs, decide who comes to the UK”.

She will set out measures announced over the summer, including the detention of the first migrants under the “one in, one out” deal with France – with the first deportations back across the Channel due to take place in the coming weeks.

Ms Cooper will also update MPs on reforms to the asylum appeals process which are intended to reduce the backlog and ease the pressure on accommodation.

Yvette Cooper is keen to stress that despite a summer of criticism against Labour’s handling of the asylum system, the Government is strengthening the country’s border security.

She is expected to say how actions to strengthen border security, increase returns and overhaul the asylum system are “putting much stronger foundations in place so we can fix the chaos we inherited and end costly asylum hotels”.

She will say: “That means ensuring we have the powers we need to pursue the criminal smuggling gangs profiting from small boat crossings that other parties have voted against, but also new firm rules in place to manage the asylum system so we can close hotels.”

We have an early steer on what Yvette Cooper will outline today as MPs return to Westminster after the summer break.

The Home Secretary will set out planned changes to the refugee family reunion process to give “greater fairness and balance”.

She will say the National Crime Agency (NCA) led 347 disruptions of immigration crime networks in 2024/25 – the highest level on record and a 40 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

That included 56 of the highest-impact disruptions, while NCA-backed efforts in Europe have squeezed the supply of boats and engines destined for the French coast, with 45 dinghies seized in operations at the Bulgarian border in July and August.

Officials believe that contributed the lowest number of boats crossing the Channel in the month of August since 2019, with 55 making the crossing, according to the latest figures.

A lot is happening today in the world of politics as MPs arrive back in Westminster for the first time since July.

We are expecting home secretary Yvette Cooper to highlight the Government’s plans for reforms to the immigration system and border security. She is also due to highlight some of Labour’s successes in tackling border crossings after August saw the lowest number of people arriving on boats over the English Channel since 2021.

The Court of Appeal is also due to hand down its full verdict on the The Bell Hotel case in Epping, Essex. The decision at the end of last week overturned a High Court ruling temporarily banning the housing of asylum seekers at the hotel, which has been the scene of major protests over the summer.

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