Call for urgent meeting over asylum hotels

The politicians signed the open letter about the use of two hotels in Essex, including The Bell Hotel

Five Conservative politicians have written a letter to the home secretary asking for an urgent meeting to discuss the use of hotels housing asylum seekers.

The Essex politicians said The Bell Hotel in Epping and a second hotel in the district were "entirely unsuitable" for the accommodation.

"[They] are placing an unsustainable strain on police resources," said the group.

There have been repeated protests at The Bell Hotel in recent weeks and a number of people have been charged with committing violent disorder.

The letter was signed by:

• Roger Hirst, the police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex

• Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest

• Alex Burghart, MP for Brentwood and Ongar

• Christopher Whitbread, leader of Epping Forest District Council

• Kevin Bentley, leader of Essex County Council

The letter added that the protests had been "leading to public disorder that is unacceptable to our residents and deeply concerning for the safety of all involved".

"We support the Home Office's wider objective of reducing reliance on hotels and are keen to work with you," it continued.

"However, we urge you to accelerate this process and make The Bell Hotel in Epping a priority for urgent closure."

The Home Office said the number of hotels being used for asylum seekers has decreased from more than 400 in summer 2023, to less than 210.

A spokesperson added: "We continue to work closely with police and community partners across the country, and discuss any concerns they have.

"The security of the local communities within which hotels are located will always be our first priority."

The protests have followed the arrest of Hadush Kebatu, 41, from Ethiopia, an asylum seeker who was living in The Bell Hotel.

He has been charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.