Asylum seekers to be housed in city hotel

Asylum seekers will be housed in a Bath hotel due to “unprecedented” demand.

The hotel, which will remain unidentified to protect the asylum seekers’ safety, will be used temporarily.

Last week the UK was shocked when 27 people - including three children - drowned trying to cross the Channel as calls grew for safe and legal routes to be established.

Liberal Democrat MP for Bath Wera Hobhouse welcomed the asylum seekers, as has Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy.

A Home Office spokesperson confirmed that due to the incredible demand of the system, temporary accommodation such as hotels was being used.

They said: “Due to unprecedented demand we have had to use temporary accommodation such as hotels to meet our statutory duties and manage demands on the asylum estate, and we encourage all local authorities to volunteer their support and work with us.

“We are mindful of pressures on local authorities and continue to source alternative sites nationally.”

MP Wera Hobhouse said: “Nobody leaves home unless home is unsafe”

“I welcome those seeking asylum to the country and specifically to Bath. Bath is such a great community I’m very pleased to welcome those in need.

“Last week, the country was appalled at the heartbreaking tragedy just off our shores. People are dying in the Channel, fleeing their homes in desperation.

“The sheer desperation of people risking their lives in tiny boats across the Channel is unfathomable. I welcome these asylum seekers to Bath with open arms in their time of need.”

Cllr Guy said: “I’m delighted to welcome additional people who have sought asylum.

“Earlier in the year, the people of Bath showed such generosity.

“We have a good track record in Bath and North East Somerset of welcoming refugees, since 2016 when we stepped forward to offer a safe haven for refugees from Syria.

“We are beyond fortunate to have such a warm and welcoming community in Bath and North East Somerset who have made so many kind offers over the last few weeks.

“We should all be doing everything in our power to bring safety and security to people who need our help the most.”

The Home Office hopes its Nationality and Borders Bill will fix the broken asylum system to deter dangerous Channel crossings.

Coronavirus has restricted the Home Office’s ability to move people out of asylum estates.

❝ The sheer desperation of people risking their lives in tiny boats across the Channel is unfathomable. I welcome these asylum seekers to Bath with open arms in their time of need. MP for Bath Wera Hobhouse