Home Office promises ‘big surge’ in asylum hotel closures in new year

Angela Eagle accuses other parties of offering fag packet plans' as ministers face mounting pressure on immigration

The Home Office has promised a big surge" in asylum hotel closures in the new year, with five more to shut in the coming months, as ministers face mounting pressure over the government's record on immigration.

Speaking after a weekend of protests and counter-protests over the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, Home Office minister Angela Eagle said the government had inherited a border security system in tatters" and accused opposition parties of offering the fag packet plans without the substance on delivery".