Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has launched a scathing attack on the government after it emerged that a four-star hotel in the Essex countryside is being covertly used to house asylum seekers.
The luxury Epping Hotel, located on the outskirts of London, has been quietly contracted by the Home Office, a move that has ignited fury amongst local residents and political figures. The establishment, which boasts a gym, swimming pool, and conference facilities, is now operating as temporary accommodation for dozens of individuals awaiting decisions on their UK immigration status.
A 'Betrayal' of Local Trust
Mr. Farage, visiting the site, did not mince his words, labelling the situation "a complete and utter disgrace." He accused the government of a profound lack of transparency, stating that the move was made without any consultation with the local community or their representatives.
"This is nothing short of a betrayal," Farage declared. "To use a hotel in this way, without a single word to the people who live here, shows a contempt for the British public. It's an outrageous way to handle what is a total failure of our immigration system."
Community Backlash and Security Concerns
The arrival of the asylum seekers has reportedly caused significant unease in the area. Locals have expressed concerns over the potential strain on local services and a lack of information regarding the duration of the stay or the backgrounds of the new arrivals.
Private security teams have been deployed around the hotel's perimeter, further heightening the sense of a community kept in the dark. This has only served to fuel frustrations, with residents feeling their quiet town has been dramatically altered without their consent.
A Symptom of a Broken System
Farage argued that the situation in Epping is not an isolated incident but a direct consequence of the government's inability to control the UK's borders and process asylum claims efficiently. He pointed to the record numbers of small boat crossings and the immense cost to the taxpayer of housing migrants in hotels.
"This is your immigration policy in action," he said, addressing the government. "It's expensive, it's undemocratic, and it's deeply unfair on everyone involved—both the British people and those who have been left in limbo."
The Home Office has maintained its standard line, stating that the use of hotels is a temporary, necessary measure due to the unprecedented number of asylum arrivals. However, critics like Farage see it as a permanent feature of a broken system, with communities like Epping paying the price.
