In a decisive blow to the Government's controversial asylum policy, a High Court judge has ordered the closure of a migrant hotel in Essex, siding with local councillors in a bitter legal dispute.
The former hotel in Epping, which had been housing dozens of asylum seekers, will now be shut down after Epping Forest District Council successfully argued that the Home Office's use of the building was unlawful. The ruling represents a significant victory for local authorities challenging central government over the housing of migrants in their communities.
Human Rights Claims Dismissed
Despite the Home Office's forceful argument that closing the hotel would breach the human rights of the asylum seekers residing there, Mrs Justice Thornton granted a permanent injunction against its continued use. The judge found that the council was likely to succeed at a full trial with its claim that the government had acted unlawfully.
The Home Office had contended that evicting the occupants would violate Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment. This argument was ultimately rejected, with the judge acknowledging the council's concerns over the building's planning status and its impact on the local area.
A Contentious Battle
The legal showdown caps months of tension between the Conservative-led council and the Conservative government. The council had initially secured a temporary injunction in August, preventing the Home Office from housing more migrants at the site. This latest ruling makes that injunction permanent, effectively sounding the death knell for the facility.
Local residents and councillors had voiced strong objections to the hotel's conversion, citing pressures on local services and a lack of consultation. The win is being hailed as a testament to the power of local democracy.
What Happens Next?
The Home Office now faces the logistical challenge of relocating the asylum seekers to alternative accommodation. A spokesperson stated they are "disappointed" with the outcome and are considering their next steps.
This landmark case sets a powerful precedent and could embolden other councils across the UK to mount similar legal challenges against the government's use of hotels and other temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
