UK may house Ukrainians in oligarchs' mansions and Chelsea's hotel

[Sherman A1]

The British government is exploring whether Ukrainian refugees could be housed in the mansions of sanctioned Russian oligarchs, Downing Street has said.

Ministers have faced calls for the vast houses of those impacted by measures imposed by Britain to be turned into homes for those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Downing Street confirmed it was examining whether the properties could be used, although it is thought new legislation would be required.

It was also suggested Chelsea Football Club's hotel could be used after owner Roman Abramovich was added to the government’s sanctions list.

https://www.rte.ie/news/newslens/2022/0314/1286347-ukraine-uk-oligarchs/

[Magoo48]

1. Yes, this model should be followed wherever possible.

House refugees on yachts and in mansions.
This action holds a powerful real and symbolic message for our planet’s morbidly rich.

[Emrys]

2. This would be a cheap stunt, and not necessarily in the refugees' interests

There have been numerous problems when asylum seekers have been housed in hotels without suitable support and checks. In Glasgow, there were stabbings and a death when one disturbed individual in a hotel ran amuk. As a result, there is strong resistance to attempts to house and cater for asylum seekers on the cheap in hotels nowadays.

These mansions aren't even hotels, and will lack some of the organization and amenities hotels have. It's unlikely refugees would be allowed to just occupy them, and the mansions would likely be managed by one of the private contractors that have been responsible for poor-quality provision and neglect in the past. Coupled with that, they would be in effect ghettos, not to mention the distaste some of the refugees may feel at being housed in an oligarch's property when their homes and families are being bombed to oblivion.

They would be better housed among families and communities in ordinary domestic settings, where they can find support, goodwill and warmth.