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UK Bans Asylum Housing Near Schools Amid 62% Conviction Surge

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a ban on placing asylum seekers in houses or near schools after Stoke Heath outcry, despite the plan allocating 21 homes for families in Shropshire.
MP Mark Pritchard condemned the scheme as unsuitable for the rural area, prompting Shropshire Council to object.
Officials reported a 62% rise in sexual-offence convictions involving foreign nationals, who account for 14.1% of convictions, comprising about 11% of the population.

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Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a ban on placing asylum seekers in houses or near schools after Stoke Heath outcry, despite the plan allocating 21 homes for families in Shropshire.
MP Mark Pritchard condemned the scheme as unsuitable for the rural area, prompting Shropshire Council to object.
Officials reported a 62% rise in sexual-offence convictions involving foreign nationals, who account for 14.1% of convictions, comprising about 11% of the population.