British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has announced the cessation of financing for refugees in hotels by 2029, to be transferred to alternative sites such as student housing and ancient elderly care homes. The move comes within the framework of the government’s endeavor to reduce the high cost that the state bears to accommodate these illegal immigrants, which are expected to reach 3.9 billion pounds this year.
Currently, the Labor Party faces increasing popular pressure to reduce the number of illegal immigrants, especially after the program launched by the Conservative Party canceled its late days, which was to deport them by air to Rwanda.
Since the Labor Party took power in July 2024, the country has witnessed an unprecedented rise in the numbers of refugees; As the number of those who crossed the English channel in smuggling boats during the first five months of this year, about 15,000 refugees, the highest number to date, reflects the failure of government efforts until the moment to stop the flow of illegal immigration.
Britain faces a worsening dilemma due to boats carrying thousands of refugees – most of them males – from African and Asian countries to its southern coast. These dangerous trips not only cost the state in financial burdens in dealing with them, but also reap the lives of many refugees. Despite the successive attempts of governments to reduce this phenomenon, it has not achieved the desired success. Therefore, Prime Minister Kiir Starmer adopted a different strategy based on addressing the roots of the problem by addressing smuggling gangs abroad, but these efforts have not yet been translated into tangible results.
The illegal immigration crisis exacerbated the right of the right -wing Reform party, which was established in 2018, as the party achieved remarkable electoral gains in the recent period, to actually become the largest opposition force in the country. The party raises a strict position towards immigration in general, and refuses refugees in particular, a proposal that has increasing support among British citizens.
There is no doubt that popular discontent with illegal immigration has become understandable, in light of the economic burden and increasing pressure on the basic services.
Single flying
The war we are currently witnessing in the Gulf aims to make radical changes in the balance of power after more than 45 years of continuous tensions. The region may witness the end of another system and birth.
But what matters to us as Gulfs is stability and regional calm, as our development aspirations are great.
