The UK government is seeking permission to appeal against a High Court ruling that blocks asylum seekers from being housed at an Essex hotel. The court had previously granted a temporary injunction to stop people from being placed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, citing concerns over community tensions and potential harm to local residents.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper argued that closing all asylum hotels was necessary but should be done in a “properly managed way” to avoid disrupting other areas or local councils. The government is now seeking to overturn this ruling to ensure that the closure of hotels can be carried out nationwide in a controlled manner.
The Bell Hotel has been the site of protests and counter-protests following an asylum seeker’s charge with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the town. Somani Hotels, the owner of the hotel, is also seeking permission to appeal against the court order blocking its use as accommodation for asylum seekers.
Conservative councillor Holly Whitbread described the Home Office’s decision to seek an appeal as “deeply disappointing”, arguing that the community can’t afford to wait another four years for the hotels to be closed. In contrast, Chris Philp, Conservative shadow home secretary, called the decision “completely wrong” and suggested that the government should prioritize deporting illegal immigrants instead of keeping them in expensive hotels.
The court’s ruling has sparked concerns among councils across the country, with more than half a dozen already considering taking similar legal action. Protests and counter-protests are expected to take place outside hotels nationwide over the coming days.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5p2ye95z9o