Local protests erupted in West Drayton against the housing of asylum seekers in hotels, particularly at the Crowne Plaza, where hundreds reside. The Home Office reported a 13% increase in asylum seekers in hotels, totaling 36,273 by September 2025, amid a notable decline in net migration figures. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pledged to close asylum hotels, citing pressure on communities. Critics argue that the focus on migration distracts from pressing issues like housing and the cost of living crisis.
