Dozens of migrants are now sleeping outside one of the UK’s most well-known churches, Westminster Cathedral, as the small boat migration crisis grows worse. According to reports, around 50 people most of them from Eritrea have been living on the cathedral steps during the Easter period. Witnesses say the group has grown rapidly, starting with just a few people a few months ago, and now turning into a large crowd.
These individuals are sleeping on pieces of cardboard and wrapping themselves in sleeping bags to survive the cold nights. Some have even put up small tents just outside the cathedral, which is close to London’s Victoria Station.
Every morning, security staff arrive to move them away before church services begin. But the migrants don’t go far – they simply move their things under a nearby tree and return later in the day.
One person who regularly passes the cathedral said, “About 95% of those sleeping there say they’re from Eritrea. Many of them came to the UK on small boats and are now hoping to be placed in hotel accommodation funded by the government.”
Charities say there has been a big increase in the number of migrants ending up homeless over the past year. So far in 2025, more than 9,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats – the highest number ever recorded in the first four months of any year. Tragically, another person died just recently during a crossing. A lifeboat and helicopter rushed to help after a medical emergency was reported, but the man was declared dead as he was being brought to Dover.
**Concerns Grow Over Migrant Housing**
These scenes outside Westminster Cathedral have raised serious questions about how the UK is handling asylum seekers. The Cathedral has confirmed it’s trying to support people where it can and is working with local services to find solutions. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the complex situation involving people sleeping outside the cathedral. Some are homeless, while others may be fleeing war or persecution. We’re doing our best to connect them with help.”
The cost of housing migrants in hotels continues to rise. Over 38,000 people are currently being placed in hotel rooms, costing taxpayers £5.5 million a day. An additional 65,000 people are staying in other types of accommodation. A single hotel room costs around £145 per night, while placing someone in more standard housing like flats or shared homes would cost just £14 a night.
Local councils say the current situation is putting a huge strain on housing and services. Kent County Council, for example, warned that they are struggling to find enough housing because the Home Office is offering higher payments to landlords. Tamworth Borough Council added that competition for affordable housing is making things harder for young local people who also need homes.
The situation has sparked strong reactions from politicians. Some are blaming the Labour government for being too soft on immigration. They say scrapping the Rwanda plan – which aimed to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing – has led to more people coming to the UK illegally.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said, “Labour has lost control of our borders. They’ve cancelled key deterrents and allowed lawyers to help dangerous people stay in the UK.”
Tory MP Neil O’Brien said the surge in small boat arrivals is creating social chaos across the country, while Robert Bates from the Centre for Migration Control claimed that the current immigration policies are undermining British values.
Labour, on the other hand, says it plans to shut down expensive asylum hotels and speed up the process of reviewing claims. The goal is to move people more quickly into regular housing and reduce the pressure on local services.
The UK has seen a record number of migrants crossing the English Channel in early 2025. As of now, 9,099 people have arrived by small boat – a 42% increase compared to the same time last year and nearly double the number from 2023.
Just this past Tuesday, 705 people made the journey in 12 boats. The previous Saturday saw 656 people arrive in 11 boats – which was the highest daily number of the year until then. These large daily totals are usually seen during the summer months, not in early spring.
On Friday, police confirmed they are investigating the death of a man who became ill while trying to cross the Channel. Officers are working to identify him and notify his family.
