Britain’s Court of Appeal has overturned a ban on housing asylum-seekers at a hotel in Epping, Essex, northeast of London. The hotel has been at the center of protests for weeks and has become a significant political issue in the country. A three-person panel backed the government’s appeal against a temporary injunction granted by a High Court judge, which would have required the 138 asylum-seekers currently staying at the Bell Hotel to leave by September 12.
The government had expressed concerns that the High Court decision could have led to similar decisions elsewhere, disrupting its policies for housing asylum-seekers. Justice David Bean, reading a summary of the ruling, stated that the judge had made “errors in principle” and that the approach “ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere in the system.” The judge also warned that considering protests as relevant could “encourage further lawlessness.”
The government, along with Somani Hotels, the owner of the Bell Hotel, had challenged the temporary injunction, arguing that it was based on local planning laws that may not apply in other areas. However, other councils, including Labour-run authorities, had announced plans to seek legal advice on whether they could obtain similar injunctions for hotels in their areas.
The issue has sparked intense debate, with critics accusing the government of prioritizing the rights of asylum-seekers over those of local residents. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, stated that “local communities should not pay the price for Labour’s total failure on illegal immigration.” The Bell Hotel has become a focal point for protests, with tensions escalating after a resident was charged with sexual assault.
The Labour government has struggled to address unauthorized migration and provide accommodation for those seeking refuge. The use of hotels to house asylum-seekers has become a significant issue since 2020, when the number of asylum-seekers increased sharply. According to the Home Office, over 32,000 asylum-seekers are currently housed in hotels, up 8 percent from the previous year.
The Court of Appeal’s decision has significant implications for the government’s policies on housing asylum-seekers. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock warned that the immediate closure of asylum hotels could lead to migrants “living destitute in the streets,” but the government is exploring alternative housing solutions. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing migration and providing support for both asylum-seekers and local communities.
