Chameleon Magazine

As reports continue of new asylum accommodation opening across the UK, another very large property inevitably comes to mind: Buckingham Palace. If the country is being asked to think creatively about housing solutions, why shouldn’t every available option be part of the conversation?

Imagine the estate agent’s description:

“A substantial property in central London with hundreds of rooms, extensive grounds, existing security, and excellent transport links.”

If the Government’s message is that Britain should welcome those seeking asylum and that communities across the country should play their part, many people will ask why the burden appears to fall primarily on local areas, hotels and converted buildings while some of the country’s largest and most secure properties remain beyond discussion.

Under the current legal and constitutional arrangements, Buckingham Palace is not a realistic option. However, laws are made by Parliament and can be changed if there is sufficient political will. If politicians believe that every part of society should contribute to accommodating asylum seekers, then it is reasonable to ask whether that principle should also apply to the nation’s most privileged institutions.

Whether or not anyone believes Buckingham Palace should ever be used in this way, the broader question is one of consistency. If the expectation is that communities across Britain should accept change in the national interest, should those at the very top also be expected to lead by example?

This isn’t simply a debate about one building. It’s about whether responsibility should be shared equally or whether some institutions remain exempt from the expectations placed on everyone else.

🔥 Your Challenge 🔥

Should responsibility for accommodating asylum seekers be shared across every level of society, including national institutions, or are some places rightly off limits?

Share your views in the blog comments. We welcome respectful debate from all sides of the argument.

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🏆 The best comments will be featured in the next issue of the magazine.