British PM vows to detain, send back illegal migrants amid mounting pressure

31/8/2025 7:20

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday pledged to detain and send back illegal migrants as the government faces mounting pressure to tackle Channel crossings and the issue of asylum hotels.

"I am clear: we will not reward illegal entry. If you cross the Channel unlawfully, you will be detained and sent back," Starmer said on social media platform X.

His remarks came as several demonstrations were held across England on Saturday, including in London, Skegness and Gloucester, where asylum seekers are being housed in hotels. Five people were arrested in west London.

Thousands had attended protests over the summer, which began after an asylum seeker housed at a hotel was arrested and subsequently charged with several offenses, including the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

The number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels rose to more than 32,000 in the year to June, according to Home Office data. The government had promised to close asylum hotels by the time of the next general election.