House of Commons · Westminster Hall
21 January 2025 · 8 other contributors · 8,982 words
Opened by Jack Rankin Con Windsor
Responding minister: Dame Angela Eagle
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jack Rankin raised concerns about asylum seeker hotel accommodation: reopening in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should provide a timescale for ending the misuse of such hotels and address the root cause by stopping boats through deterrent measures, rather than supporting an incentive system that encourages illegal entry.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The issue is emblematic of the failure in the current immigration system, with 220 hotels around the country now being used for asylum accommodation. Datchet's Manor hotel was reopened to house 85 'single adult males', causing concern among residents due to previous antisocial behaviour issues.
Asylum seekers should be housed appropriately where facilities are available to avoid undue strain on local communities. Asked if the tone of debate is important to maintain safety in all situations, questioning whether it affects how people walk home at night.
Communities across Bromsgrove fear the reopening of hotels for asylum seekers, which is a political choice by the Government.
Discussed the legacy inherited from previous Governments, mentioned that nine hotels have closed since the general election, and outlined efforts to close more by March 2025. Addressed concerns about hotel reopenings and provided an apology for not giving enough notice.
My constituents in Broxbourne have faced significant issues due to an increase in asylum seekers, with hotels housing them supporting one of the highest numbers in east England. I urge the Government to implement proper deterrence measures and close all asylum hotels. Asked the Minister to outline her Government’s policy and what she is going to do moving forward.
Noted that hotel accommodation for asylum seekers is not cost-effective or community-friendly. Highlighted a 21% increase in the number of people housed in hotels since the general election and the need for better notice to be given before new hotels open. The hon. Member for Stockton West pointed out that the previous Government had more than 400 hotels open at one point due to a massive build-up in the asylum system, highlighting the issues with legacy backlogs and the impact of the Rwanda scheme. Asked the Minister how much notice MPs would receive before migrants arrive in a hotel.
Noted the disappointment of no Government Members participating in the debate and supported the lead MP's concerns about the misuse of hotels for asylum seekers.
Asked for transparency on the number of hotels opened since the general election and when they will be closed, agreeing with the need to stop illegal entry through deterrent measures.
Discussed the backlog of asylum claims and the hardship faced by both asylum seekers and communities due to delays in decision-making processes. She highlighted that over 97,000 cases involving 133,000 individuals still await an initial decision as of September 2024.
Government Response
Dame Angela EagleThe Minister for Border Security and Asylum
The Government inherited an asylum system with massive backlogs. The so-called Rwanda deterrent and the Illegal Migration Act 2023 led to a huge build-up of individuals awaiting processing, with no trips ever happening as planned. From when it was first announced in the Bill to when it was scrapped, 84,000 people crossed the channel in small boats. The scheme cost around £156,000 per person over five years for deportations that were never deliverable. There are no easy answers to the issue of illegal migration, and international agreements must be respected. Provided details on the steps taken by the Government to address asylum seeker accommodation, including closing nine hotels since the general election and aiming for further closures by March 2025. Stressed the need for transparency and giving notice as much in advance as possible.