The recent Court of Appeal decision permitting asylum seekers to continue residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping has brought relief to the Government. The original injunction had disrupted their plans for asylum hotels during a period of heightened immigration tensions.
In a significant turn of events, judges at the Court of Appeal overturned the injunction that mandated the 138 migrants living at the Bell Hotel to vacate by September 12. However, challenges still lie ahead for the Government post their legal triumph. Here’s a look at the potential next steps.
The 138 asylum seekers currently housed at the Epping hotel are no longer required to leave by the initial deadline following the lifted injunction. Nevertheless, uncertainties persist regarding the hotel’s future.
Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) might still seek an injunction after a comprehensive legal hearing scheduled for October. The council stated its openness to exploring all options, including appealing for a temporary injunction at the Supreme Court.
The initial injunction triggered concerns about potential legal battles from other councils. This outcome seems less probable now, as the Court of Appeal was resolute in its ruling, pointing out errors made by the High Court judge who granted the initial injunction.
Despite the ruling, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch urged Conservative-led councils to persist in pursuing similar injunctions.
Tensions remain high over asylum hotels, with police prepared for further protests as locals assembled outside the Bell Hotel to express discontent with the judgment. EFDC leader Chris Whitbread appealed for calm, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests amid the situation.
Counter-protesters geared up to oppose anti-migrant demonstrations nationwide over the weekend. The Government has committed to closing all asylum hotels by 2029, although the Home Office acknowledged potential challenges in accommodating individuals if the Bell Hotel closure had proceeded.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock cautioned that forcing asylum seekers out could lead to destitution, contravening the government’s obligation to prevent homelessness. The backlog of asylum claims surged under the Conservative government, prompting the use of hotels to house individuals awaiting processing.
While the number of asylum seekers has decreased, around 32,000 people are currently accommodated in approximately 210 hotels during the asylum process. Additionally, over 28,000 individuals have arrived in Britain via small boats since the year began.
Ministers are actively working to reduce the claim backlog, and the contentious issue of asylum hotels demands visible action, potentially involving the transition from hotels to former military bases or abandoned warehouses.