Labour is facing increasing pressure over its use of hotels to house asylum seekers, after a council successfully blocked migrants from being placed in a local hotel. Epping Forest District Council recently secured a temporary High Court injunction to stop asylum seekers from being housed at The Bell Hotel. The council argued that the location had become a focus point for unrest after a series of violent protests, which led to several arrests and injuries to police officers.
Home secretary Yvette Cooper tried to halt the removal of asylum seekers at the last minute, warning that other councils could now submit similar legal challenges. Government lawyers also said that the ruling could significantly affect how the government uses hotels to accommodate asylum seekers in the future.
Nigel Farage welcomed the High Court decision and called it a “victory”, saying he hoped it would inspire other councils across the country. He added that local authorities where Reform UK is the largest party would do everything possible to follow Epping’s example. Conservative-run Broxbourne Borough Council later said it was urgently seeking legal advice as it considers its injunction.
At the same time, South Norfolk District Council said it would not take legal action. Instead, the council is attempting to use planning regulations to ensure that any migrants housed in its area are families rather than single adult males. They argued that converting the hotel to hostels should require an official change of use.
The Bell Hotel has been at the centre of numerous protests since an asylum seeker residing there was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Many residents claim that their town is being mistreated and that they no longer feel safe within their community.
The government admitted in court that the injunction in Epping could interfere with its legal obligations, and the hotel’s owner’s legal representatives warned that it could set a national precedent. Security minister Dan Jarvis said the government is closely reviewing the ruling and may appeal to keep the hotel in use.
Will every council take legal action against asylum hotels? No. Some councils are considering injunctions, but others prefer to use local planning rules or alternative approaches instead of going to court.
Senior Conservative politicians have criticised Labour’s handling of the situation. They said residents should not have to fight their government to feel protected and respected in their towns.