Havering Rejects Labour Asylum Plans: Keith Prince Warns of Breaking Point

Key Points

• Havering leaders are expected to reject plans to house asylum seekers in council properties, citing the borough’s existing strain on public services.
• Keith Prince, Havering and Redbridge Reform Greater London Authority Member and Squirrels Heath ward councillor, has strongly opposed the Labour Government’s initiative to use council-owned properties for asylum seekers to end hotel usage.
• Mr Prince spoke exclusively to the Havering Daily, warning that Havering is “at breaking point” with local services “on their knees,” particularly Queen’s Hospital.
• The government’s proposal is voluntary for local authorities and aims to phase out hotel accommodation nationwide for asylum seekers.
• Havering faces acute housing shortages, long waiting lists, and pressure on frontline services, making additional demands unsustainable.
• Mr Prince highlighted that using council houses for asylum seekers would directly impact local residents already struggling for housing.
• He urged the Havering Residents Association to stand with residents in opposing the scheme.
• Opposition is anticipated to be strong across the borough amid intensifying national debate on asylum accommodation.

Havering (Havering Daily) 21 January 2026 – Havering leaders are poised to reject any government plans to house asylum seekers in council properties, as local figures warn the borough is already at breaking point and unable to absorb further strain on public services. Keith Prince, Havering and Redbridge Reform Greater London Authority Member and Squirrels Heath ward councillor, has criticised the Labour Government’s strategy to shift asylum seekers from hotels into council-owned homes. He emphasised that Havering must resist this voluntary scheme, given the dire pressures on housing, healthcare, and social care.

Why Is Havering at Breaking Point?

Keith Prince, speaking exclusively to the Havering Daily, stated unequivocally:

“As a council we need to stand forthright against any moves by the Labour Government to place asylum seekers in Havering. Havering is at breaking point. Our local services are on their knees and the most clear example of this is Queen’s Hospital. Any unneeded added pressure on our services locally must be completely opposed.”

Mr Prince identified Queen’s Hospital as a prime illustration of the borough’s overstretched resources, noting that residents are acutely aware of its limitations.

The councillor further explained the housing crisis, saying the scheme would divert council houses meant for locals.

“The scheme would mean council houses would be used to house asylum seekers. But Havering already struggles to house its own residents, with housing being one of the key issues facing the council. We simply do not have the infrastructure to support the arrival of further people.”

This comes amid longstanding challenges, including lengthy waiting lists that exacerbate local tensions.

He reiterated concerns over healthcare, declaring:

“Queen’s Hospital is already stretched to its limits. Anyone who lives in Havering knows that. Adding further demand onto health services, housing and social care would be irresponsible.”

These remarks underscore a broader sentiment that additional asylum housing would irresponsibly compound existing burdens.

What Are the Government’s Asylum Housing Plans?

The Labour Government’s proposal seeks to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by encouraging councils to provide alternative accommodation in council-owned properties. This nationwide strategy is voluntary, meaning local authorities like Havering can opt out. However, as reported in the Havering Daily, the initiative has sparked resistance in areas facing service pressures.

Keith Prince hit out at these plans, framing them as an unfair imposition. His exclusive comments to the Havering Daily highlight the potential for direct costs to residents, particularly in housing allocation. The voluntary nature offers councils flexibility, but in Havering, the context of infrastructure deficits makes participation unlikely.

Which Local Leaders Are Opposing the Scheme?

Mr Prince expects Havering Council to refuse involvement outright. He urged:

“I hope that the Havering Residents Association will stand alongside Havering residents and oppose any move by Labour to place asylum seekers here in Havering.”

As a prominent local figure, his stance signals unified resistance from political and community bodies.

It is believed Havering Council will not agree to participate, given the dominance of housing shortages and service strains in local politics. Opposition is expected to be robust across the borough, with leaders prioritising residents’ needs. Mr Prince’s position as both a GLA member and councillor lends weight to this anticipated refusal.

How Does This Fit into the National Debate?

As the national conversation on asylum accommodation heats up, Havering is drawing a firm line. Local leaders warn the borough cannot shoulder more when residents struggle for housing, healthcare, and services. The Havering Daily reports that this reflects wider concerns about balancing national policy with local realities.

Keith Prince’s forthright opposition positions Havering as a flashpoint in the debate. His calls for solidarity among housing bodies and residents amplify the message that the borough’s limits have been reached. With voluntary participation, councils like Havering can assert autonomy, but the underlying pressures remain acute.

What Challenges Does Havering Face with Housing?

Housing stands as a pivotal issue, with the council already grappling to accommodate its population. Mr Prince noted: “Havering already struggles to house its own residents, with housing being one of the key issues facing the council.” Diverting properties for asylum seekers would intensify this, sidelining locals on waiting lists.

Queen’s Hospital exemplifies service strains, but housing shortages dominate discourse. Long queues for council homes fuel political friction, making the government’s ask untenable. The Havering Daily coverage stresses that infrastructure deficits preclude absorbing more arrivals.

Why Highlight Queen’s Hospital Specifically?

Mr Prince repeatedly cited Queen’s Hospital as emblematic of crisis.

“The most clear example of this is Queen’s Hospital,”

he told the Havering Daily. Residents know its capacities are maxed, with wait times and resource shortages commonplace.

Further demand from asylum seekers would strain health services irresponsibly, per his assessment. “Adding further demand onto health services, housing and social care would be irresponsible.” This local landmark anchors arguments against the scheme, grounding opposition in tangible experiences.

Will Havering Council Officially Refuse?

Sources indicate Havering Council will decline participation. As a voluntary programme, refusal aligns with local priorities. Mr Prince anticipates alignment from the Havering Residents Association, urging collective resistance.

Strong borough-wide opposition looms, driven by service pressures. The Havering Daily anticipates clear refusal, reflecting resident struggles. This stance positions Havering firmly against added burdens.

What Does This Mean for Local Residents?

Residents face direct impacts from housing decisions. Mr Prince warned of costs to locals if council homes shift to asylum use. With existing waits, prioritising national policy over borough needs risks backlash.

Healthcare access, via Queen’s Hospital, would suffer too. Social care strains compound issues. Leaders like Mr Prince advocate protecting vulnerable locals amid these pressures.

How Does Keith Prince’s Role Influence This?

As Havering and Redbridge Reform GLA Member and Squirrels Heath councillor, Keith Prince bridges local and regional politics. His exclusive Havering Daily interview amplifies his voice. He positions himself as a defender of borough limits.

His dual roles enable coordination against the scheme. Urging associations to join residents, he fosters unity. This leverages his platform effectively.

What Broader Pressures Shape Havering’s Stance?

Housing shortages, service overloads, and waiting lists define politics. Queen’s Hospital strains symbolise wider woes. National asylum shifts collide with these realities.

The voluntary scheme tests council resolve. Havering’s expected no reflects resident priorities. Debate intensifies as boroughs assert boundaries.