Excessive restraint in immigration detention centres ‘deeply concerning’, report finds

Thousands of demonstrators marched against the Home Office's plan to house up to 540 male asylum seekers in a local town, reflecting significant public opposition to the government's approach to asylum accommodation.

The UK government has announced a ban on asylum seekers using taxis for medical appointments, set to take effect in February. This decision has raised significant concerns regarding the accessibility of essential healthcare services for this vulnerable population, as any exemptions will require approval from the Home Office.

The UK government has announced that asylum seekers will be prohibited from using taxis for medical appointments, a decision stemming from the Home Office's annual expenditure of approximately £15.8 million on taxi services. Starting in February, these individuals will be required to utilize alternative transportation, such as buses, regardless of the urgency of their medical needs.

The Home Office has postponed its plan to accommodate approximately 540 asylum seekers at Crowborough army training camp and 300 at Cameron Barracks in Inverness. This decision comes amid rising public scrutiny and protests against the government's approach to housing asylum seekers in military facilities.