Residents of Waterlooville, a town in Hampshire, are celebrating after the UK Home Office decided to abandon plans to house asylum seekers in flats above a shop in the town centre. The news followed weeks of local protests and a petition signed by more than 10,000 people. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who represents the area, joined residents on the high street to mark the victory, calling it a win for “ordinary folk” who felt their voices were finally heard.
The Home Office had planned to place 35 asylum seekers in the flats, but the idea faced strong opposition from locals. Many residents said they were worried about safety, overcrowding, and the lack of consultation. Union flags filled the streets, music played, and people waved signs saying “Keep our women and children safe.” The event felt like both a celebration and a message of defiance, with speakers criticising what they saw as political leaders ignoring local concerns.
Braverman told The Telegraph that her constituents were peaceful, ordinary families—not extremists—and said accusations of racism were “incredibly offensive.” She argued that wanting safety and control over immigration was an act of patriotism, not prejudice. She also praised Waterlooville’s protests as a model for how communities could stand up for themselves without violence, noting there were no arrests or disturbances during the demonstrations.
Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green councillors in the local Havant council had criticised Braverman for using language they called “inflammatory” and misleading, saying the people earmarked for the flats were asylum seekers, not illegal immigrants. But many residents remained unconvinced, saying they were concerned about who would be moving in and whether proper checks had been carried out.
At the celebration, people shared their reasons for opposing the plan. Shop assistant Maria Jackson said she worried about her grandchildren’s safety and wanted the flats used for locals on housing waiting lists. IT worker Paul Crowley and his wife Mel, said they cared about the country and safety for their family, not about race. Refuse collector Genevieve Doury, who lives across from the building, said she feared for her teenage daughter’s safety and would consider moving if the plan went ahead.
Councillor Philippa Gray said the council supported open debate but stood by its position that the flats were for a mix of families and individuals seeking asylum. However, the council later revealed that it had raised fire safety concerns with the Home Office about the property. Following a review, the Home Office decided not to purchase the building.
Even though the immediate plans have been dropped, some residents worry that the Home Office could try to house migrants elsewhere in the town. Braverman urged people to stay alert and be ready to speak up if new proposals arise. She said Waterlooville had shown the rest of the country that peaceful, united protests could make a difference.
For now, residents are proud of what they see as a grassroots success. “It’s a victory for ordinary folk who often don’t have a voice,” Braverman said. “The people of Waterlooville have made their town heard loud and clear.”