The Asylum Seekers Inverness plan has sparked concern after Keir Starmer announced the relocation of hundreds of asylum seekers to military sites.
The Home Office confirmed that Cameron Barracks in Inverness will host around 300 asylum seekers from December. Officials said the move will happen gradually and could last up to a year.
This relocation forms part of a broader government effort to end hotel use for asylum housing. Two military sites, including one in southern England, will accommodate around 900 men in total.
However, Highland councillors quickly raised concerns about the plan’s impact on local communities. They warned that the scale of the proposal could test “community cohesion” in a relatively small city.
Liberal Democrat MP Angus MacDonald said Cameron Barracks is “not an appropriate location to house a large number of migrants.” He added that the move could cause significant disruption in the city centre while addressing only a small fraction of the asylum backlog.
Similarly, local MSP Fergus Ewing said he received “numerous messages” from residents expressing “deep concern.” Many locals fear the proposed site’s proximity to residential areas may create safety issues.
Ewing explained, “My constituents worry about the safety of women and girls. Their concerns focus on safety and community capacity, not prejudice.”
The Asylum Seekers Inverness project also raised financial questions. Defence Minister Luke Pollard suggested the cost of converting barracks might exceed hotel expenses. Despite this, Downing Street defended the decision, saying it aligns with public expectations to reduce hotel reliance.
Officials argued that using military sites offers a longer-term housing solution and helps address public frustration over hotel spending.
Nevertheless, local leaders insist that the government must consult residents before finalizing the plan. Many have called for clarity on support services, security arrangements, and community engagement.
The Asylum Seekers Inverness plan highlights the government’s ongoing challenge to manage asylum housing while balancing cost, safety, and public opinion.
As the relocation approaches, both national and local officials face pressure to ensure the transition happens safely and transparently.
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