Protests against the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers and migrants have expanded across at least 15 cities in the UK, increasing political and operational pressure on the government and local authorities.

Demonstrations have taken place on consecutive weekends in a number of towns and urban centres, with residents calling for the closure of hotels being used as temporary accommodation. Protest organisers say the gatherings are driven by concerns about community safety, the impact on local services and the long-term cost to taxpayers.

According to figures cited by campaign groups and legal observers, close to 400 people have been arrested in connection with protests and related public order incidents since October. A significant proportion of cases have not proceeded to court, either because of insufficient evidence or because no further action was taken following police review. Protesters say this has reinforced their determination to continue demonstrating.

Police forces across several regions have acknowledged that repeated large-scale protests are placing additional strain on officers, particularly as events are now taking place simultaneously in multiple locations. Senior officers have stressed that their priority is to maintain public safety, protect nearby residents and prevent disruption to essential services.

Local communities remain divided over the demonstrations. Some residents argue that the continued use of hotels for migrant accommodation is affecting tourism, local business and community confidence. Others have expressed concern that the protests themselves risk creating tension and uncertainty for families living in or near the affected sites.

The government has previously stated that the use of hotels is a temporary measure, introduced to deal with high demand for asylum accommodation while longer-term housing solutions are developed. Ministers have also said that accelerating asylum case processing and expanding alternative accommodation are key priorities.