The Court of Appeal has ruled that asylum seekers can remain at a hotel in Epping, delivering a practical win for the Home Office but reigniting political tensions. The government said the ruling buys time to close hotels in a controlled manner by 2029, avoiding immediate rehousing of 138 asylum seekers and potential legal challenges from other councils.
Nigel Farage seized on the decision, accusing the government of using the law against local people and claiming illegal migrants have more rights than residents. Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, echoed the criticism on social media, saying judges sided with illegal migrants against British people. The opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch, encouraged Tory councils to continue legal challenges despite the ruling's clarity on planning law.
Public anger over immigration remains high, with a YouGov poll showing 71% of voters think Keir Starmer is handling the asylum crisis poorly. Nearly seven in ten said immigration levels are too high. The government insists its plan is working, citing a falling backlog, rising deportations, and a recent deal with France, but home secretary Yvette Cooper has not commented publicly.
Protesters gathered outside the Bell hotel in Epping, reflecting a broader mood of discontent that Farage has tapped into. While the ruling provides temporary relief for the government, political pressure from the right and public dissatisfaction suggest the issue is far from resolved.
