UK-Asylum crisis Badenoch Spurs Tory Councils to Battle UK Asylum Hotels in Court

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Kemi Badenoch is rallying Tory-led councils to legally challenge asylum hotels in their areas. The court victory by Epping Forest District Council blocked The Bell Hotel from housing asylum seekers, a move Badenoch hailed as a triumph for locals.

 

In her appeal to Conservative council leaders, Badenoch stated, "We back you to protect your community with legal action, if advised." Labour slammed her remarks as "desperate,", highlighting the spike in asylum hotels under Tory governance, which peaked at 400, according to Labour spokespersons.

 

The High Court recently granted Epping Council an injunction to move 140 asylum seekers from The Bell Hotel. Councils are now considering similar actions amid efforts to find new housing for those displaced. Originally a short-term measure, hotel use surged during the pandemic, peaking at 56,042 persons in 2023 under the Tories.

 

Labour's plan is to end hotel use for migrants by 2029 by reducing boat crossings and expediting asylum decisions. Recent Home Office figures show a 15% decrease in hotel-based asylum seekers since December. Epping's case hinged on safety risks and planning breaches, marking a judicial precedent, reported the BBC.

 

Several councils, including Labour-run ones, are now weighing their legal options. Broxbourne Council's Conservative leader, Corina Gander, anticipates launching a challenge inspired by Epping's success. Nigel Farage's Reform UK is also encouraging legal action across its councils.

 

Labour's Carol Dean of Tamworth Council is reassessing options in light of the court's decision, calling it a significant legal precedent. Wirral Council is reviewing potential impacts on planning for a former hotel site in Hoylake whilst reviewing the Home Office’s decisions regarding asylum placements.

 

If successful, these challenges may push the government to explore alternative housing solutions for asylum seekers. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp urges the use of former military sites or barges for accommodation and opposes the use of additional hotels. Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis mentioned looking at diverse options, like tower blocks and former student housing, without specifics.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-21

 

[josephbloggs]

Disgusting hypocrite.

[The Cyclist]

9 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Disgusting hypocrite.

 

And what of the Labour run Councils doing the same thing ?
 

Quote

Labour-run councils are considering legal challenges to close hotels housing asylum seekers after a landmark ruling prompted officials to consider increasing the use of former military sites as emergency accommodation.

Wirral and Tamworth councils said they are exploring high court injunctions to remove claimants after the Conservative-run authority in Epping Forest won a temporary high court injunction to remove people from the Bell Hotel.

Are they disgusting hypocrites ?

 

Or could it be, that these Councils are actually working for the people who live within their Council areas ?

[JonnyF]

Nice.

 

Hold their feet to the fire Kemi. Keep the pressure on these charlatans pretending to be a government. 

[josephbloggs]

23 minutes ago, The Cyclist said:

 

And what of the Labour run Councils doing the same thing ?
 

Are they disgusting hypocrites ?

 

Or could it be, that these Councils are actually working for the people who live within their Council areas ?

The hypocrisy is the leader of the Conservatives telling Tory councils to challenge asylum hotels in their areas. However it was the Conservatives who caused this explosion in hotel use (and cost) and did absolutely nothing about it. 

That is what makes her a disgusting hypocrite. I thought that would have been obvious.

At least Labour have been actively trying to reduce this cost and eventually end the use of hotels. The Tories did nothing, but now she squawks about it. Hypocrisy of the highest order.

[sammieuk1]

You can see where this is going' the mug of beer' Keir will get writers cramp signing off leave to remains and council houses 🤔

[Will B Good]

 

Did she ever call for this action during the eight years she has been in parliament?

 

Hmmmmmm!