The Home Office has announced it will appeal against a High Court ruling that blocked the use of a hotel in Epping, Essex, to house asylum seekers. Security Minister Dan Jarvis stated the government must close asylum hotels “in a managed and ordered way” as it challenges the decision regarding the Bell hotel.
Jarvis reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by the end of this parliament, criticising the previous Conservative government for creating a “chaotic and disorderly situation” that led to 140 extra hotels being opened in six months. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed this, saying hotels would be closed “as swiftly as possible” without causing problems for other areas.
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp condemned the appeal, accusing the government of not listening to the public or the courts. Local Conservative councillor Heather Whitbread argued the court ruling was a planning decision, blaming the hotel owner for breaking planning law.
Separately, dozens of protests outside asylum hotels are expected across England this weekend, with anti-migrant demonstrations and counter-protests by Stand Up to Racism planned in Bournemouth, Cardiff, Leeds, and other locations.
