Part 8/12:
The situation is a reflection of systemic issues: the UK's obligation to house asylum seekers while managing stretched social services, housing shortages, and rising public resentment. During the pandemic, hotels became the default accommodation for thousands of asylum seekers—particularly after the massive influx of over 45,000 small boat arrivals last year alone. Though the government has reduced the number to around 32,000, tensions persist as communities grapple with the visible presence of migrants.