Caring this Winter: Homelessness in Westminster

Supporting People this Christmas

Cllr Paul Swaddle, Leader of the opposition Conservative Group at Westminster City Council, has today spoken out about the homelessness crisis in central London.

Winter should be a time of warmth, safety and compassion. But in Westminster, too many vulnerable people are facing freezing nights on our streets as rough sleeping continues to spiral.

Since Labour took control of the Council, the situation has deteriorated. Westminster has the highest number of people sleeping rough in the UK and Same Old Labour has failed to act.

More people have been pushed into homelessness year after year, with cold weather dramatically increasing the risks of illness, exploitation and death for people sleeping rough.

🥀 Yet Labour-led Westminster and Sadiq Khan have failed to act with the urgency this crisis demands.

Encampments continue to grow. Support services are overstretched. And Labour’s weak, hands-off approach has left too many vulnerable people abandoned in dangerous conditions.

This winter, I am calling for compassion backed by action.

Compassion must never mean neglect. Caring means leadership, coordination and real pathways off the streets.

💙 Westminster Conservatives believe in Caring Conservatism.

As Leader of Westminster Conservatives, if elected to lead Westminster City Council in May 2026, I will:

  • Push for stronger winter support to help people off the streets and into safety
  • Support clearer routes into accommodation, healthcare and addiction treatment
  • Call for better coordination between the Council, charities, health services and police
  • Promote early intervention to prevent rough sleeping before crisis takes hold
  • Protect vulnerable people while restoring safety and dignity to our streets

✅ I will always put the people of Westminster first.

This winter, compassion must be matched with competence.

If you are concerned about homelessness this winter, there are ways you can help or get support:

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