Housing asylum seekers in former army barracks ruled unlawful for victims of torture
A high court ruling has deemed the government's policy of housing torture survivors in shared accommodations unlawful. The judgment highlights the failure to assess the risks faced by these vulnerable individuals. This decision poses a significant challenge to the Home Secretary's plans to relocate asylum seekers from hotels to former army barracks.
- ▪About 350 asylum seekers have been moved into former barracks in Crowborough, East Sussex.
- ▪The court ruled that forcing survivors of torture to share rooms with strangers is unlawful.
- ▪The government failed to consult charities and assess the impact of its policy changes on vulnerable individuals.
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About 350 people have been moved into the former barracks at Crowborough in East Sussex. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenAbout 350 people have been moved into the former barracks at Crowborough in East Sussex. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty ImagesImmigration and asylumHousing asylum seekers in former army barracks ruled unlawful for victims of tortureJudgment outlawing forcing of survivors of trafficking, torture and other forms of violence to share rooms is blow to Shabana Mahmood’s asylum plansRajeev Syal Home affairs editorFri 29 May 2026 06.19 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 06.20 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleShabana Mahmood’s plan to house more asylum seekers in former army barracks is facing a major hurdle after the high court ruled…
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