Suitcase appeal after 'cruel' refugee hotel closure

A Home Office spokesperson said "accommodation is allocated on a no-choice basis"

A volunteer group is asking for suitcases to be donated to refugees after it was announced they would have to leave the hotel they have been staying in.

West Berkshire Action for Refugees has launched a suitcase appeal in Thatcham, requesting empty bags and holdalls for more than 100 refugees and asylum seekers who will have to move out of Regency Park Hotel by 15 December.

It is unknown where the current hotel residents will be rehoused, and the Home Office said they would be notified a minimum of five days in advance of any move.

Karen Reeves, lead volunteer for West Berkshire Action for Refugees, hopes that the appeal will allow the refugees to "move with dignity".

Karen Reeves (right) has supported many refugees in her area, including Fatimah (left) who was recently housed

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Home Office continues to provide safe accommodation for asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute, as we work to end the use of hotels which are costing UK taxpayers £8.2m a day."

The suitcase appeal will run until the hotel is closed, just before Christmas.

Ms Reeves described the unexpected closure as "cruel", "inhumane" and "not the way to treat human beings".

She explained that most of the refugees arrived without luggage, so the appeal should prevent them from having to leave with their belongings in black bin bags.

Refugees in Thatcham have received donations from the community over the past 18 months, including bicycles, which Ms Reeves described as "their most precious belonging".

She added they would have to leave them behind "as they can only take a maximum of two suitcases".

The Home Office said the luggage allowance was "on top of essential items", including children’s toys, baby care items, medical equipment, buggies or prams and disability aids.

Suitcase donations can be dropped off at Thatcham Town Council offices.

Any unused suitcases will be donated to other refugee centres in need.