Key Facts
• UK refugee applications reached 111,000 in January-June 2025, a 14% year-on-year increase.
• This figure surpasses the previous record of 103,000 set in 2002.
• Over 32,000 asylum seekers were housed in UK hotels by June 2025, up 8% from 2024.
• Public surveys show immigration concerns surpass economic issues among voters.
• Reform UK, advocating deportation of “illegal immigrants,” leads in polls.
• Opposition Conservative Party criticized the Labor government for losing border control.
• Home Secretary highlighted a 30% rise in deportations of rejected asylum seekers since 2024.
• Labor government claims strengthened visa and immigration management, reduced refugee costs, and increased deportations.
Summary
The UK recorded 111,000 refugee applications in the first half of 2025, a 14% increase from the previous year and the highest since 2002. This surge has intensified criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s immigration policies. Public concerns over immigration now outweigh economic issues, with Reform UK leading polls by advocating stricter deportation measures. The opposition Conservative Party accused the Labor government of failing to control borders. However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the administration, citing a 30% rise in deportations of rejected asylum seekers and improved immigration management since Labor took office in 2024.
