The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Britain's summer of discontent | Cover Story with Anoosh Chakelian
Jul 31, 2025
Anoosh Chakelian, a New Statesman writer who reported from sites of asylum protests, joins fellow contributor George Eaton to analyze Britain's current turmoil. They discuss escalating protests linked to housing asylum seekers and the impact on local communities. The conversation shifts to the Labour government's struggles with NHS strikes and economic distress. Both guests address how public discontent might steer voters toward more radical choices, highlighting the deepening ideological divides within British politics.
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Tense Atmosphere at Asylum Hotels
- Protests at asylum hotels are tense, with locals showing hostility and police presence high.
- At Diss, locals openly expressed anger and readiness to confront asylum seekers in hotels.
Realities of Asylum Hotels
- 'Hotel' in asylum context doesn't mean comfort; many face poor conditions like bed bugs and food poisoning.
- Hotels are often treasured community spaces, so their use for asylum seekers sparks local resentment.
Hidden Resentment in HMOs
- Asylum seekers often live in HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) in deprived areas, fueling local resentment.
- These accommodations can cause social tensions due to overcrowding and neglect.