Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has sparked controversy after suggesting that the UK could set up migrant “camps” as an alternative to housing asylum seekers in hotels. Speaking in Epping, Essex, Badenoch argued that the current approach to migration was outdated and that Britain must adapt to “a changing world.”
“Is it possible for us to set up camps and police that, rather than bringing all of this hassle into communities?” she asked, adding that the Conservative Party should engage local residents in shaping solutions to the migration crisis.
The remarks come as the government faces mounting public anger over asylum seekers being housed in hotels, with protests reported in several towns and cities. Badenoch’s comments also follow the government’s recent announcement of a “one in, one out” returns deal with France and the expansion of the “deport now, appeal later” scheme to 23 countries, including India, Bulgaria, and Australia.
Refugee Action chief executive Tim Naor Hilton condemned Badenoch’s suggestion, calling it “deeply troubling” and accusing political leaders of engaging in “a race to the bottom” in how they treat people seeking asylum. He warned that such rhetoric fuels hostility, emboldens far-right groups, and risks triggering racist attacks.
“Hostile policies and rhetoric must stop now. People must be treated with dignity and housed properly in our communities so they can rebuild their lives in peace,” Hilton said in a statement to The Independent.
Badenoch’s comments also touched on broader concerns about crime and deportation. She criticized the government’s handling of foreign national offenders, claiming they had released 26,000 prisoners early since coming to power. “This is the sort of stuff they should have been doing on day one,” she said, accusing Labour leader Keir Starmer of previously trying to block deportations.
Under the expanded deportation scheme, offenders who have had human rights claims against removal rejected can be deported before their appeals are heard, with hearings conducted remotely from their home country via video link.
The heated exchange underscores growing political pressure over migration policy ahead of the next UK general election, with the Conservatives seeking to outflank the rising threat from Reform UK, and campaigners warning against policies they see as undermining human rights.