The British government’s cost-cutting initiative, dubbed “Operation Maximise,” has come under scrutiny for its potential harm to vulnerable LGBTQ+ migrants seeking asylum. As immigration minister Robert Jennrick pushes to save £250 million by squeezing multiple individuals into shared rooms, a recent investigation by The Guardian has shed light on the troubling consequences of this approach.
Risks and Vulnerabilities
The investigation uncovered distressing stories within this housing scheme. A gay man reported feeling unsafe and reluctant to undress in the shared room due to rampant homophobic abuse. A lesbian resident was compelled to conceal her true identity, and a transgender man, fearing for his safety, had no choice but to sleep on a hotel staircase. This anonymous trans man, who had experienced violence in his home country and had already been subjected to a harrowing attack, was forced into room sharing upon his arrival in the UK.
In his own words, he lamented, “The hotel staff blocked my room card [as he refused to stay in the room], they said I had to share. I could not do it. I slept outside the room on the stairs and cried all night. It was the worst night of my life since I arrived in the UK.”
Controversial Policy
Critics argue that the policy of maximizing hotel space is causing further trauma to already traumatized individuals. Emma Birks of Asylum Matters emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are seeing them create conditions that cause physical and mental harm to vulnerable people who are seeking safety here in the UK. People should be accommodated in communities where they can be welcomed – not warehoused in hotels.”
Government Response
In response to the allegations brought forward by The Guardian, a Home Office spokesperson defended the policy, explaining, “To reduce hotel use, asylum seekers will routinely share rooms with at least one person where appropriate. This minimizes the impact on communities while we stand up alternative sites.” However, concerns persist over the potential harm and vulnerability faced by LGBTQ+ migrants subjected to the “Operation Maximise” scheme.
